There was a bit of drama on Day 1 of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan as Pat Cummins got a crucial wicket of Muhammad Rizwan off a very close no-ball ball. But, commentators and formers Aussie cricketers doubted if Cummins had bowled a legal delivery because when the umpires went upstairs, it looked like the bowler had overstepped.
However, the third umpire thought otherwise and ruled the batsman out. It sparked controversy since no part of the foot was behind the line.
Things got even more controversial on Day 2 of the Gabba Test. Pakistan bowlers delivered 21 no-balls, but umpires ignored them completely. They missed out on a vast number of illegal deliveries, which has raised a question on the quality of umpiring in the ongoing Test.
Channel 7, the official broadcasters of Australia vs Pakistan series, has released a video of the massive blunder by the umpires. Trent Copeland, the former Australian cricketer and an analyst for Channel 7, also called it a ‘big ICC issue.’
In the first two sessions of Day 2, there were 21 (!!) no-balls not called.@copes9 | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/if7jQ3U3Gu
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2019
In the morning session, Australia’s left-handed opener David Warner was dismissed by 16-year-old Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah as the umpires missed to call it a no-ball. Thankfully, the third umpire intervened as the on-field was corrected this time.
Later, Warner went on to score unbeaten 151 runs and is looking strong for a big inning. Australia is currently on 312/1 at the end of the second day’s play.
