New Zealand captain Kane Williamson might have emerged as the hero of the World Cup 2019 clash against South Africa in Birmingham, but questions are being raised by some on his integrity after he was given not-out at the score of 76 in the 38th over of the run-chase.
Williamson, later, scored an unbeaten 106 in the match as Black Caps registered a four-wicket victory.
Former South African spinner Paul Adams also took to Twitter and questioned as to “Why didn’t Kane Williamson walk?”, sharing a snapshot of the video showing an inside edge when the ball was caught behind by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off spinner Imran Tahir.
Why didn’t Kane Williamson walk 👀 #CWC19 #SAvsNZ pic.twitter.com/H3Cj6M4pGy
— Paul Adams (@PaulAdams39) June 19, 2019
Only Tahir appealed against the inside edge of Williamson’s bat but was turned down by the umpire. Astonishingly South Africa didn’t review the decision.
Adams kept the heat on Williamson, later tweeting: “If Kane Williamson was Mankad after he didn’t walk would he be upset?”
If Kane Williamson was Mankad after he didn’t walk. Would he be upset 👀
— Paul Adams (@PaulAdams39) June 19, 2019
His words, however, did not go down well with Williamson fans, who tweeted:
https://twitter.com/rajdeep189/status/1141426833365360640
SA had a review left. That’s on them. Basically you’re asking NZ to help SA keep their review for later.
— Tony K. Parrish (@tonykparrish) June 19, 2019
Because he didn’t feel it – apparently.
Given de Kock didn’t notice it either, and given it’s Kane on the balance of probabilities* I’m of a mind to believe him.
*OK, OK it’s nowt to do with probability, and everything to do with my unabashed bias as a @BLACKCAPS fan 😜
— Bruce Harrison (@BruceHarrisonNZ) June 19, 2019
Never question Kane's ethics, if anyone is known for unselfish play it is him, if he thought he was out he would have gone. It wouldn't have changed anything, the @blackcaps will always beat you with a couple to go 😜
— thekibsta (@thekibsta) June 19, 2019
Why didnt De Kock & Faf review
— Shane (@speks_70) June 19, 2019
Because it was the umpires call? Because he doesn’t have to? SA had the opportunity to review but didn’t. Move on.
— 𝕃 𝕁 𝕄𝕔𝕃𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕟 (@Mr_LJ_Mc) June 20, 2019
Why didnt SA review? Its frustrating yes but calling into question Williamson’s ethics is a reach
— Harshikesh Ram (@hram007) June 20, 2019
New Zealand have won praise for leading a healthier attitude to the game, dubbed the ‘spirit of cricket’, in recent years. But whether batsmen should walk or not when they know they are out – as Williamson would have – remains a complicated issue.
