An evident umpiring error cost Jordan Silk his wicket on Friday in the Big Bash League game between the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Stars, causing yet another controversy. When Sixers needed two runs to win the game off of three pitches in the match’s final over, Silk appeared to be run out, but Stars captain Adam Zampa took a review for a caught behind.
While the snickometer shockingly displayed a spike, the replays clearly showed a gap between the bat and the ball. The third umpire’s decision that the batter was caught behind further shocked him. Silk objected and requested a review by himself, but he had to return to the pavilion.
The umpiring decision was not well received online, and that is understandable. Cricket players and fans alike criticised the call on Twitter. Team India’s former opener Aakash Chopra wrote, “How is it given out by the third umpire?? At the time of spike, the ball is 6 inches away from the bat. Left of screen. #BBL12”
James Neesham of New Zealand criticised the BBL for penalising players for language while overlooking bad decisions made by the umpires. “I think everyone should concentrate less on big bash umpiring errors and more on the fact that every player who’s said a naughty word on field this season has been appropriately fined, and really, if we’re honest, that’s what matters,” wrote the Kiwi all-rounder.
Here are Aakash Chopra and Jimmy Neesham’s tweets
How is it given out by the third umpire?? At the time of spike, the ball is 6 inches away from the bat. Left of screen. #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/RYrEDBWVYz
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 6, 2023
I think everyone should concentrate less on big bash umpiring errors and more on the fact that every player who’s said a naughty word on field this season has been appropriately fined, and really, if we’re honest, that’s what matters.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) January 6, 2023
