On Day 3 of the ongoing Day-Night Test in Perth, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was handed a lifeline after he was not given out by the on-field umpire despite clearly nicking a delivery from Pat Cummins to the Aussie wicketkeeper Tim Paine.
Chasing Australia’s hefty first-innings total of 416 runs, New Zealand got off to a poor start as both their openers Jeet Raval (1) and Tom Latham (0) were back into the hut in the first two overs. It was then down to skipper Williamson and veteran Ross Taylor to bail the team out of trouble and the duo managed to do so with a gritty 76-run partnership for the third wicket. However, soon after the duo’s dismissal, New Zealand were bowled out for a paltry 166 in their first innings.
During their partnership, Williamson edged a delivery from Cummins and was caught by the wicket-keeper. But, the umpire didn’t seem interested and denied the appeal.
Paine opted not to take a review but replays showed Williamson would have departed had the Australian captain done so. Williamson, who is known to be one of the most humble characters, lauded for his fair brand of cricket, raised a few eyebrows by deciding not to walk back after nicking the ball.
His actions sparked a cheeky reaction from England pacer Stuart Broad on Twitter.
“Did he not walk?! Wow,” wrote Broad in response to a tweet from Cricket Australia which showed Williamson had clearly nicked the ball.
Did he not walk?! Wow
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) December 13, 2019
Broad was later questioned (by Nick Wade) about the time when he hit it straight to first slip and didn’t walk. He responded by calling Nick ‘stubborn’ for believing that he smashed it.
Ahhh you’re part of the group who think I smashed it straight to 1st slip. You’re wrong but I respect your stubbornness
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) December 13, 2019
Meanwhile, Williamson got out after scoring 34 runs off 70 balls. Steve Smith took a blinder at the second slip to dismiss the Black Caps skipper.
