Prior error costs England dearly
The first day of the third and final Test between England and India produced a thoroughly competitive and absorbing .
Everyone behaved themselves, there was no swearing and certainly there not a jelly bean in sight.
It also finished with the game well balanced, and both teams rueing their luck.
India could quite justifiably point to two umpiring errors that cost them the wickets of Dinesh Karthik and Sourav Ganguly, while gave Sachin Tendulkar a life on 20.
It was a miss that will certainly reignite the wicket-keeping debate because, at this level, catches like that simply have to be taken.
Tendulkar drove at a delivery from Ryan Sidebottom and the edge flew to Prior’s right at about knee height.
Andrew Strauss, the first slip, had been placed a little wider than usual, and Prior dived and got both hands to the ball.
Unfortunately for England, he was at full stretch and, alarmingly, his head was looking away from the ball at the vital moment. Down it went, and The Oval held its breath.
To be fair to Prior, this is only his second miss in the seventh Test of the summer, and no one is perfect.
But having batted well against West Indies, he is , and there has been widespread criticism of his constant chattering behind the stumps.
If Tendulkar enjoyed a slice of luck, this was denied to Karthik and Ganguly.
Just nine runs short of his second Test century - and having played some glorious shots including a six over extra-cover off Monty Panesar - Karthik played a loose stroke to Sidebottom who immediately appealed for a catch at the wicket.
All the close fielders also appealed instinctively, and umpire Ian Howell raised his finger with no hesitation.
After just a glimmer of disappointment, Karthik headed off for the pavilion only for technology to fail to give any evidence of his having hit the ball.
The same South African umpire had also erred in giving Ganguly out lbw.
Quite how the former captain remained so calm when he was despatched we will never know because it was a thick inside edge that deflected the ball into his pad.
I am always loath to criticise umpires, but Mr Howell really should have seen it.
So Tendulkar remains having batted for more than three hours and India have batting to come, but England are not out of the game.
Unless India manage to bat for most of the second day, the match should remain tantalisingly open.
absoloutely shocking umpiring howell is a disgrace, couldve cost india getting 600+ england will have to bowl well tommrow otherwise it could be another long day sidebottom is the unluckiest bowler ive seen and "hardman" prior didnt say another word after that shocking drop, india to win series 1-0 i think this game has draw written al over it
Complain about this postGood post, very open test match, lots of work to be done for both teams.
Complain about this postIt seems to me that India seem to have all the luck this series (not that im complaining at all), also i do notice england lacking a 5th bowler, as in more batting conditions England have failed to rattle the Indian middle order, and tomorrow its not going to get any better!
Complain about this postI continue to be amazed by the fascination of picking a wicketkeeper based upon batting skills as a first priority.
England currently have the best pure wicketkeeper in World Cricket iin the shape of Chris Read (backed up by the opinion of Rod Marsh, Ian Healy) who continues to be overlooked in favour of the supposed advantage of more runs.
The problem is these more runs come at the expense of more byes and dropped catches. More alarming is this idea that England want "positive" cricketers which means in my book gobby in your face individuals whereas for me class is doing your job properly not inane ramblings behind the stumps.
The problem for me is that enough commentators and ex pros even seem to appreciate wicketkeeping correctly. Prior in particular does not move his feet and has actually been making some of the bowling look worse down the leg side than it is because he is diving for every ball that goes down there!
Complain about this postIt seems unlikely that India can lose the match from this point. If they can score further 150-200 runs tomorrow then it will be very touch for England to win or draw the match..
Complain about this postAwful Awful decision by the umpire!! How many of these have there been in this series? Bad decisions have cost the Indian batsmen from going on to triple figure scores.
We are still in this however, Sidebottom will pickup 3 wickets tomorrow mark my words.
Complain about this postYou can't criticise Prior for constant chattering, thats what keepers do, even throughout club cricket!
India are in pole position if you ask me with the beginning of a good total and wickets and batsmen to come. England will have to bat well all the way through the top-middle order, and Prior will also have to score well again to silence some of the critics.
Hate to say it though, I don't have a good feeling about getting a series leveling win!
Complain about this postYup, 2 poor decisions again by the umpire. Throughout the series, the English supporters have been saying that luck has not favoured them but I disagree.
In lord's test, rain was inevitable on day 5 according to the forecast...infact rain came later than expected.
In Trent Bridge, KP and Collingwood had to be dismissed 3 times in the match. Not to forget that Sachin and Sourav were not out and fell victim of poor umpiring in the 1st innings.
Now today again 2 out 4 wickets that England got were NOT OUT.
There have been some bad luck for England too. But , at least, they didnt fell victim to the umpires.
Complain about this postNice one Jon, however the super ironic thing about all this is Karthik just said in a post-match interview that he nicked it. So for once, techonology is wrong and the ump is right! Mind you, Ganguly nicked his too, so Howell did make 1 howler anyway. Hope Sachin cashes is now.
Complain about this postCheers!
For the second consequitive test match Indians were "given" out. What was the second umpire was doing at the time Karthick was given out - caught behind? Were the eyes of Mr Howell closed for a millisecond to see what happened with the bat and then to the pad - when Ganguly was sent back to the pavillion?
Complain about this postHow long would the ICC wait to install technological help to avoid such blunders? The technology is there, but the Gurus are afraid to use them. Why??!!
although umpire howell apparently made 2 mistakes today the majority of umpiring decisions are correct and right. Decisions go for or against our team but as you know the umpires only have a split second to make up their minds and the media have hawkeye etc to aid them. so howell got it wrong today .is anybody perfect?
Complain about this postthese bad decisions has given England a chance back into to this game, which in my opinion shouldn't have been allowed. but never the less India r in a very strong position, but it will be quite difficult for them to reach at a score of 550+, as there is only one known batter to come.
Complain about this postwhy hasn't a rule been made about where batsmen and bowlers can refer to the 3rd umpire about a decision the on-field umpires have made. of course they should be a limit on how many they can be e.g. 4-3 per innings so that the game of cricket can become more fair to both teams?
I hope that Howell comes out and apologises for his shocker today as umpire Taufell did in the previous match. These types of things are unacceptable in the modern game. it is all very well to say that it is hard to make these judgments but he is an international umpire and as such is paid to get them right. With somthing so obviously wrong his position should be reviewed. it is high time umpires paid for the mistakes that they, as professionals, should not be making.
Complain about this postWell played india and especially Kartik. Good to see Matt Prior's aggressive brand of cricket helped India out.
Now we need Sachin and VVS to do what they did in Sydney in 2003 and bat the opposition out the game.
Complain about this postIndia is playing against 11 English players and 2 umpires! And still winning!
India has had the bad decisions for well set batsmen... Saurav and Sachin in the last match, Dinesh and Saurav (again) today! KP and Vaughan were both given not out when they were out.....
India will still do well.
Complain about this postRegarding your comments about Prior, you are taking into consideration only the catches that he has dropped, but do you really not see that his technique is so badly flawed because of which he has given more byes than the number of runs he might score in his test career? i dont believe that he is the best that English team could do, they must have better wicketkeepers than that.... Its fairly obvious now that he is in team mostly because of his uncontrollably irritating chattering.
Complain about this postThe catch that he dropped today might make England pay dearly.... if tendulkar goes on to get a 100+ or 150+ India will probably get around 500-550 and thats the end of the road for england. they will be struggling to draw this match.
Funny old day...India can count themselves pleased with the work but England weren't that bad.
Complain about this postNot yet, but it may in future.
But Mr. Agnew, what can be done about the appalling umoiring standards in this series? Can ICC not do anything when some umpires are either clearly past it or not up to it?
Complain about this postGood post Mr. Agnew but I don't feel Prior's chirping is anything unusual, wicketkeepers have always been annoying and loud, as I know only too well from my own team, and others I've played against. Whats more of a worry is his inability to get the runs that could compensate for his relatively poor wicketkeeping.
Complain about this postOn another note im dismayed by the very low standard of umpiring seen this series. Wrong decisions, inability to handle players? I hope this is not a general trend we will see more often.
Hmmm.... it's an interesting first day. Bad umpiring, no doubt about that. Ganguly's LBW was dreadful. How Ganguly, a man not famed for always keeping his cool, left the field without incinerating the eardrums of all present is a surprise. Jelly beans laced with Prozac perhaps?
People here say India are in the box seat. I'm not so sure. I think back o England against Sri Lanka in 1998 at the Oval. Nobody thought England could lose after scoring 445 in the first innings only for Sri Lanka to fire back with nearly 600 and Murali taking 9 wickets. I have a feeling the pitch will break up a little, making it tough for England to bat last on. It's about honours even to me for the first day. The first session tomorrow with the still newish ball is crucial. England need wickets.
The jury is out on Matt Prior. The Sri Lanka tour will be a huge test for him both with the bat and behind the stumps. I'd lay a wager on Chris Read going to Sri Lanka, I don't think England will go with one keeper out there. He's got a lot to prove and his place isn't secure in my opinion.
I personaly hated keepers nattering when I was bowling. The gushing praise for an average delivery really annoyed me. A good keeper knows when to chirp and when to shut up. All the verbals in the world from a keeper won't distract a batsman as much as a ball he plays and misses at.
Complain about this postThe English team would be better if their players were not delusional. Just read the article about Strauss being confident that they can take a lead in this test becuase he was confident they can bowl India out for less than 400. It is great when players say stuff like this, more bulletin board material for Sachin, Laxman and the rest of the team.
Complain about this postAlso good to see England are still benefiting from dubious umpiring decisions at home. Keep up the good work.
Complain about this postBad umpiring is again undermining good cricket. Little point saying "anyone can make a mistake" when we have the wherewithall to preempt the mistakes. And even less point in saying: it balances out over a game, or over a career - futher bad mistakes do not cancel out the earlier ones. A panel of 3 good ex-players - if not the 3rd umpire - could easily and quickly look at the visual and audio evidence and cut down the errors to the inescapable minimum. Mr Howell has made a signal contribution to this debate by his persistent bad form.
It's a sad day for this game as one of its tireless servant retired. I am talking about Giles, well, injury might have cut short a career, but, there is no doubt that he was a proven performer for some time. He was under rated, but, still good bowler nevertheless. This test match is evenly poised and it all depends how India plays in the first session against the new ball and a lot depends on Tendulkar who struggled but still thanks to Prior is still there and Laxman, who looked in better touch than previous test match. Ganguly was unlucky, but, Karthick decision was touch and go, for which I don't blame the umpire. Does anyone knows over here whether Tendulkar has scored hundred at Oval. I hope that he strikes it rich tomorrow...
This series has been so evenly matched that its hard to predict what will happen in the next stage. Right now, its game on and I expect England to score heavily in not exceptional but decent batting conditions. I think that old ball will be key in these conditions rather than new ball. So, reverse swing might come into play..
Complain about this postCollingwood gets a thick edge - umpires are convinced he's not out.
Pieterson edges to the keeper - umpires are convinced he's not out.
Ganguly gets no edge - umpires have no doubt he is out caught behind.
Karthik gets no edge - umpires have no doubt he is out caught behind.
Ganguly gets thick edge on to his pads - umpires have no doubt he is out LBW.
I won't bother about Dravid & Sachin's LBW decisions.
Seems like England seems to not only have the home conditions and home-crowd to their side but also umpires who love the home team.
Now they only need to persuade the lady luck to join hands with Umpires and we have a drawn series.
I applaud the umpires determination to keep the match and series open - 316/2 would've killed the series and the English crowd interest, wouldn't it?
Complain about this postAs an Indian fan, I think the match is still balanced. It all depends on how many runs India can get tomorrow. The memory of their capitulation at the MCG in 2004 after being 278/1 and 329/4 after the first day is still fresh in my mind. They were all out for 366 and Australia scored 557 in their first dig, eventually squaring the series.
Complain about this postTime for Laxman to get a big score against England, and for Dhoni to apply himself with the bat as he did at Lord's.
Did Prior drop the series equalling chance? We will find out tomorrow. I guess his hands will be full of sweet and sticky jelly beans tomorrow. Try it- jelly beans really make your hands sticky and catches stick!!
Complain about this postAnkit Mishra- Which post are you reading when you say India is having all the luck this series. Aggers just mentioned Sourav and Karthik were wrongfully given out!!! What about Sourav and Sachin given wrongfully out in the last match? Is that lucky?
Complain about this postIf run outs are referred to the third umpire, why aren't critical decisions like LBW or difficult catches are not referred? They are just as important to the outcome of the game. If the third umpire after reviewing can't decide then it should be given not out. Why let umpires make difficult decision and then turn around and say it was a difficult split second decision. Run outs are split seconds all the time.
Complain about this postAs I said in my pre-match analysis, if you give Indian openers 50-60 runs without getting a wicket the middle order is gonna feast on it and it happened! But for unfortunate dismissal of Ganguly he looked set for a century. And people stop moaning about Karthik's innings - he candidly admitted he was out. But great inning from that boy. At 22 he is exciting prospect. I feel Anderson has everything going for him despite poor bowling and Siders everything against him! It is India's game to lose from here. Even if they get all out for 400, England not only has to score more, they have to score much more to avoid batting again. Lets see what they have to do: get Indians out super fast, then score runs fast enough with lead of atleast couple of hundred, then (again) bowl India out super fast to leave very little to chase and THEN score what's left. So many ifs and buts to do that! To cut it short, sorry England, your proud record is on the brink of defeat. Oh and that creature Matt Prior - hahahahahahaha - blame it on unavailability of Jelly Beans :) ...oh did I mention runs conceded in byes as well?
Complain about this postWell... another day of good cricket. Would love to see Sachin getting a big one.
Poor umpiring... Hmm.. I don't complain. Things happen in cricket.
Well played Karthik !
4 days of exciting cricket to come. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Complain about this posthowell had a howler, there's no doubt about it.
Complain about this posti don't understand why the icc, allow non-elite umpires to officiate in international matches, surely this one home umpire rule has to go.
The title should read 'Howell's errors cost india dearly' . If Howell hadnt made errors , perhaps prior wouldnt have had an opportunity to see tendulkar at all.
Complain about this postSome people here are claiming that the umpires are generally correct and that they don't have technology to aid them. Therefore, they reason, the umpires are entitled to mistakes! Do people realise that these umpires in making wrong decisions have impact on the course of the game? Bad decisions can destroy careers. Whereas the umpires are not penalised or discarded. It is high time ICC uses technology.
Complain about this postAn umpire myself, I hate to say that the blame for umpiring howlers lies for 80 percent with the ICC. They keep producing nonsensical statistics and try to convince us that assessment procedures are in place. But their recruitement system is badly thought out. Those applying for umpiring lack a basic feeling for the process of the game. Looking for something to hold on to, these so-called elite panel is completely bound up in legalistic hoax. Sad to say that the recreation game has the same state of affairs. There's a lot of dead wood. Nobody seems to be aware of what it takes to develop a panel of competent umpires. High time to get the umpiring parameters right. Apparently Mr Howell is short on accurate perception, which is the determining factor in umpiring judgements.
Complain about this postThe umpiring has been a disgrace in this series. Thankfully the umpires involved are not from the sub-continent and thankfully the series is not an Ashes series. Otherwise the reaction of the media would have been over the top. I agree that unless India bat for the entire second day and score in excess of 600 the match is evenly poised.
Complain about this postThose umpiring decisions keeping it open, just as it did in the last test, (Tendulkar/Ganguly/Collingwood........).
Unbelieveably Mark Nicholas claims India have had 75% of the luck in this series. Really Mark?
If there's any justice Sachin will get the ton he should have fot last time, and he'll make it double for the shocking decisions Ganguly's had in the series.
India to win the series; jelly beans for the losers.
Complain about this postMike Holding summarized Howell's two howlers very well. The Players and Umpires are human after all, and they all make mistakes. The only difference is the Player get dumped is he keep making mistakes. But nothing happens to the Empire.
Howell robbed the 22yrs. young man from his well deserved century..
Complain about this postMay I just say congratulations to Saurav Ganguly for having controlled his temper when walking off after such an awful decision; and to Dinesh Karthik for stating that he did nick the ball. Such honesty and gentlemanly conduct from these players show the way the game should be played.
Complain about this postThe first 15 overs tomorrow are crucial . If england can snap up 2 more quick wickets the game will still be even at this stage. I think India will make better use of the new ball though.
Complain about this postSomething worth remembering. In 2003 South Africa came to the Oval 2:1 up in the series and ended the first day on 362-4. By the 5th day England had won by 9 wickets.
Complain about this postEngland themselves have put them in this disgraceful position
Prior need to concentarate on his game rather then wasting time writing column on ±«Óãtv
India in the total command, and would had been won on first day if Howell wouldn't had supported ENGLAND
truly poor decision
2nd day
Complain about this postIndia still will get 600 and will dominant bowler
INDIA WILL WIN SEries
Time to bring back Hair as umpire and Read as wicketkeeper
Complain about this postI have watched most of the 3 test series, what I saw on the happenings on the pitch was not good for cricket, which is known as a gentlemen,s game. Right from the players, the empires, the comments made some of the commentators, the expert opinion, the England coach defending the act of his players, agreed the Indians players have used the tit for tat in terms of playing cricket. One of the things worth mentioning is if England lost a wicket due to wrong decision, it was shown upteen times, and the entire opposite when India lose a wicket, no replay. The commentators played thier part in their biased opinions. In fact they even asked Ravi Shastri for his opinion, and he used diplomacy in his reply in the second test.
Complain about this postWhat I have seen in these test is not gentleman's cricket but ungentleman's slugging cricket. The indians have never protested the discision of the umpire but walked of in a genlemens way the dismissal of Gunguly is ample proof, that even the umpires act biased to England's caused. It still amazes me that the comentators talked so much of the indiscision of not giving LBW discision against one of the Indian player, they never talked obout the wrong discision given to Indian players more than once. After all what one can one say that Cricket is a Gentlemans game as long as it favours England. I do believe that there should be a code of conduct for the comentators too to be fair and unbiased in their opinion on cricket that is known as Gentlemans Cricket. In football if a penalty is wrongly given and if the penalty missed the commentators say justice is done may be the weather gods did just to the Indians in the first test
One thing Karthik was convinced he hit it (read india's quotes after day 1) and so were all the close fielders the bowler and the umpire. So what happened
Complain about this postTomoroow's session till lunch is a crucial session for England as Eng has to win that session to gain control of the match. Inidia are well and truley on way for a big total. Its a shame that Matt Prior couldnt hold onto a regulation catch and may be hat he being asked to shut up behind the stumps made a differnce to his demanour on the pitch. It was very clear that his feet were not moving in the right direction d such catches show the technical deficiencies rather than a slice of luck. He also gave too many byes and none of the bowlers seem to be happy with his collection. If he had taken that catch it would have put enormous preassure on India...may be a Steave Waugh would have muttered " Mate you just dropped the series"....if t not too early to say that.
Complain about this postAs far as wicket keepers go some were perfect. Have you forgotten Alan Knott of Kent & England who went the whole of an Australian tour with no dropped catches or byes conceded. That is wicket keeping!!
Complain about this postwhere is chris read - best keeper in the country, arguably one of the best playing cricket
Complain about this postIsn't it about time england gave up on finding a keeper who will score 50 against Australia ? They don't exist. So pick the best keeper, who saves 50 runs a match by not allowing byes and catching the big ones that matter. Hint : look towards Notts.
Complain about this postI am refering to the comentators and writers in general.
I hear a lot about some of these elite umpires as "excellent" "very good" " the best". If they are that good how come they are making so many obvious mistakes. We cannot be saying that they are "only human" and "we all make mistakes" and at the same say they are the best. We cannot have it both ways.
Logic says if I am making many mistakes, then I cannot be good.
Some of the decisions in this series so far are Shocking, to say the least.
Complain about this postA good days cricket spoiled by some poor umpiring but both sides showed what Test Match is all about or should be. It also gives us a good idea of how our bowlers will cope abroad without the assistance of English conditions and so far I would say (and I admit this comes as a surprise to me) quite well. I thought that Sidebottom would be one more in a long list of English bowlers who looked OK playing here only to look like they belonged back on a county ground as soon as they go abroad.
Nice to see India building a total rather than trying to play a test match like it was a limited over 1 day match as we saw earlier this summer.
The big question though is........ what have you done with Blowers???
Complain about this postHi Guys
Still cannot understand why was that lbw not referred to the third umpire not from the point of view of LBW but whether Ganguly nicked the ball or not. What a waste of technology and such a shame on ICC that they cannot use technology which is starring in front of them.
But having said that and being one of the very big Indian fan I still remember when Umpire Howell did not give Karthick and Jaffer out LBW when they were plumb in front in the first innings against Panesar.
So these kind of things eventually evens itself out.
Still nervous and not very confident of India passing 400 runs
Regards
Complain about this postHere we go again. twowickets to England and two wickets to Highly paid umpires. Karthik is young and will gey another chance but Ganguly has been robbed twice by silly umpires mistake. Every one from media were gunning for Sreenath after his action in last
Complain about this posttest, I belive ICC should look into this and suspend the guilty ones. I work as investment banker and any big screwup I am done. Same should apply to all chosen duties.Come back Dickie Bird. You were great.
Horrible umpiring! In this day and age why should the cricket world put up with this? Permit challanges and instant replay to verify and correct umpire's mistakes. Are the cricket Zars listening?
Complain about this postHello Jonathan,
The context of this email is an analysis of umpiring errors. I am running my thoughts by you, though I would have liked to discuss with you and your elite team of commentators.
Today Kartik and Ganguly got a raw deal from Ian; Simon or Ian handed similar raw deals to Ganguly and Dravid at Trent Bridge and so on..? Is it not?
One can understand the idiosyncrasies of the hot spot umpiring job while standing by the ring side for hours in blazing sun with very limited physical activity. This can be stressful and capable of inducing fatigue of the mind, body and more importantly sensory receptors at different times.
Umpiring is somewhat similar to driving for hours on a hot summer day requiring a concentration on the road ahead and traffic around. Even the best of drivers has a tendency to steal a snooze momentarily even with both hands on wheels after experiencing mirages bouncing off the road surface.
It appears therefore from a simple root cause analysis, all cricketing umpires like drivers, are vulnerable by that demon of a fatigue which starves and disables the complete human decision making control system in a fleeting moment of the ball whizzing past the striker.
The alert receptors as eyes and ears continue to be in the driving seat of a full control decision making systems till such moment fatigue strikes like lightning. If driving is any comparison, then it is more likely the eye lids are tired first, stealing a longer pause before blinking next. And during this longer than usual healthy/active pause, one of the key receptors namely vision of human eye is obviously is disabled.
As light travels faster than sound, a potential fatigue striking the eyes at the nick of the time can prevent useful information getting through visionary receptors for a fail-safe and defect – free decision and adjudication. It is this nano-second drag on the eyelids that will shut –off the most crucial video input of the happenings around the ball in motion, line and length, striker’s bat position and striker’s own position in relation to stumps
This fleeting video black-out ends, more likely when the audio receptors respond to a staccato and a raucous appeal from the fielders around the striker. The human decision system can now act only on the audio input available to human ears and up goes the finger of a fatigued umpire, more likely as a secondary reflex.
In the case of defective decisions at Trent Bridge and The Oval or anywhere for that matter, it is more likely that the benefit of doubt of umpiring fatigue has gone in favor of the fielding side.
Some of the question I have for you is:
(a) Is it possible to rotate fresh pair of umpires between sessions for defect free LBW decisions?
(b) Can the main umpire consult his colleague for defect free CBW decisions?
(c) Can the umpires be empowered with hand held devices to overcome ills of constant fatigue and defect-free LBW and CBW decisions?
Appreciate your thoughts along with your elite team members during the break time at The Oval.
Regards
Complain about this postSrinath Belur
Toronto, Canada
August 9, 2007
As the wicket keeping debate continues with Prior's below par keeping display and shrinking batting average now he is facing a decent attack.
Complain about this postPlus his ability to concede an alarming amount of byes!!!
A question for Bill....if you took the efforts of all the recent England keepers. Foster,Read,Jones and now Prior calculated under the following equation.
Runs scored = 1pt
Byes conceded = -1pt
Drops/Missed stumpings =-1pt per run scored since the error. i.e Tendulkar dropped on 22 and now on 48* and rising = -26pts
divided by the numbers of innings batted and kept.....who has the higher average?
Perhaps another calculation based on the rating of the opposition at the time should also be considered i.e. Jones faced the Aussies rated No.1 vs.Prior facing the West Indies rated 8th.
I agree with Martin Corner's comments Prior's footwork is woeful....as if cast in wet concrete.
Why can't Alan Knott or Jack Russell join the plethora of England backroom entourage as Wicketkeeping coach.....or is that also Peter Moores job?
England and India have both suffered bad luck - England more than India.
Complain about this post---Winning the toss was crucial, but we lost it---
That wasn't bad luck though, that was just ... yep it was bad luck. But cricket relies on luck and bad umpiring decisions are part of the game.
England are ranked SECOND in the world for test matches and this is for a reason. They just need to remember this and use that confidence :)
ONCE AGAIN EUROPEAN UMPIRES MAKE MISTAKES IN FAVOUR OF EUROPEANS. WHERE ARE THE ASIAN UMPIRES?? WHY CANNOT THEY BE GIVEN A CHANCE??
USE THE TECHNOLOGY WHICH IS AVAILABLE.
Complain about this post"If Tendulkar enjoyed a slice of luck, this was denied to Karthik and Ganguly"
I dont think it is fair to draw similarities between the two incidents. While a fielder dropping a catch is a reprieve for the batting side, it is precipitated by the opposition's shoddiness. But, a poor umpiring decision tips the scales artificially!
Complain about this postIt's part of the game...I was playing club cricket on Saturday and got the ropiest LBW decision ever when I had scored 6. It's the game. These guys are trained and they are fallble...it all equals out...stop moaning and get on with it...its a nightmare job. None of these people are blatant cheats, get off their backs. Their good decisions and poor decisions make for intriguing test matches and have done for decades. Come on. Live with it, and lets see how it evens itself out. Come on England! At the end of the day, despite the umpires, the best team WILL win.....
Complain about this postThe commentators needs to learn to appreciate the difference between LUCK and SKILL.
Complain about this postUNLUCKY (or lack of skill) - The fact that Indian batsmen have repeatedly been given out incorrectly is unlucky. The fact that Matt Prior DROPPED a catch isn't unlucky. It was down to poor technique which had been highlighted repeatedly through the series and this morning prior to him dropping the catch.
The fact that India won the toss for the Second test was lucky?? No more so than England winning it at Lords. Tossing a coin gives equal opportunity to both sides. England utilised it at Lords. One must remember India conceded more than 100 runs in the first session at Lords, less than the difference between the two sides. I suggest if England had of bowled first India would have got stock of the pitch a lot quicker.
England got thumped when they lost the toss (7 wickets but India wouldn't have needed to bat again but for the howlers given against Ganguly and the magician).
How can England moan they've been thoroughly outclassed and India wouldn't have needed the rain had Dravid not got another howler.
The fact that England lost two tosses and won one is just the way it goes. By the law of averages they should win the next one.
I imagine it was Freddy terrible luck at the tosses in OZ which were England's downfall?? No good at 50 50s. It laughable.
This has draw written all over it. The pitch looks far tooo good, no uneven bounce and it's not swinging enough to cause any upset. We do miss Flintoff when nothing is happening with the ball, he has the ability to create a wicket.
But positives.....This "second string" bowling attack looks promising for the future. Anderson does produce a snorter every four overs, but really must tighten up his accuracy. Tremlett looks good and is young. With Harmy, Flintoff and Hoggard back it will be a difficult choice.
Batting is ok and I feel sure Strauss will come back into form, perhaps in South Africa where the wickets are hard. Cooke is having a rocky period, but will sort it out. Bell is a worry. He has had a long run in the side, but still doesn't look like a man who can score big tons on a regular basis. His runs have been against the lesser sides and the aussies think he is a joke.
Wicketkeeper is a problem. I think Prior shows promise, but needs guidance. We should perservere with him for the winter tour and reassess after that.
Complain about this postone question: why is kevin pietersen allowed to come back and play after a bad decision, but ganguly isnt?
Complain about this postI enjoy reading Aggers's posts. He is very balanced and neutral in his views.
As an Indian, I would love to see SRT and VVS score centuries but at a faster rate. It will be interesting to see Dhoni bat here. I will always rate Yuvraj ahead of MS Dhoni and have Kartick as the wicketkeeper. Yes, it is anybody's game but Indians are famous for "collapso" cricket as pointed by many.
Even if India scores 450+, I am not sure whether Zaheer & Co. will be able to dismiss the England for less than 350 or so with Kumble not bowling well at all in this series and given the docile track.
IMHO, this will be a high scoring draw.
Complain about this postI agree with Martin Corner, it is a falacy to suggest that the best batsman should keep wicket.
It is thier contribution to the team as a whole which should be considered... runs, catches, byes, contribution to team spirit etc.
Nick
Complain about this postOn the debate about fair play, I think its time we acknowledge bowlers get away with far too much
1) If any bowler gets a talking to while he is running in to bowl - I don't think they would take it quite as much as a "matter of course - shrug and bear it" like the batsmen do
2) If a batsman is supposed to walk, a bowler should not appeal when he knows the batsman is not out. This would definitely make Collingwood a cheater - and also, he wouldn't want to walk when he is batting based on the experience of his own appeals !
Complain about this postAs a non Indian or English supporter i can only shake my head at the English here talking about their 'bad luck'.
What bad luck have you had?
Your team got two of it's 4 wickets through umpiring mistakes you weren't denied a single wicket that should have been yours by the umps.
It's not bad luck to bowl awful and drop catches it's called playing poor cricket which is pretty much all england have done since the end of the 05 ashes.
Complain about this postwhy dosen't chris read get the gloves for england - by far the best keeper in the country and a more than capable bat. prior looks overweight and sluggish with a big mouth and not enough ability to back it up against a decent side like india
Complain about this postFINES TO UMPIR..........$20,000 LBW,LBW,LBW??
Umpiring error gives England late boost
Email Print Normal font Large font August 10, 2007 - 7:16AM
An umpiring mistake gave England a late boost before India closed on 4-316 on the first day of the third and final Test at the Oval on Thursday.
Sachin Tendulkar was 48 not out and Vangipurappu Laxman was on 20 after opener Dinesh Karthik scored 91.
India were consolidating their advantage at 3-276 when an error by South African umpire Ian Howell led to the dismissal of Saurav Ganguly for 37, lbw to medium-pacer Paul Collingwood.
Replays showed an obvious inside edge on to his pad and Ganguly defied disciplinary rules by indicating as much when he twisted his bat in the direction of the official before giving a rueful smile when sent on his way.
The decision brought an end to a promising fourth wicket partnership of 77 between Ganguly and Tendulkar, who was himself fortunate to get past 20.
Complain about this postGanguly: Out or not out?
TNN
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In these hi-tech days, is there any place for human error? Shouldn't umpires work in tandem with technology to get their decisions right? Here's another miss from the India-England Test on Thursday.
Paul Collingwood to Sourav Ganguly appeal for leg before wicket
Umpire verdict: Out
Over No. 79.5: A delivery from medium-pacer Paul Collingwood cuts in after pitching on the off stump. Ganguly is on the forward defensive and gets an inside edge before being rapped on the pads. South African umpire Ian Howell upholds the vociferous English appeal. All that Ganguly could do was smile before walking away.
Tech verdict: Not Out
Ganguly was caught with his front foot across the stumps but the edge was clear. So much so that replays didn't even need to press the Hawkeye into service.
Impact on game
Could be vital. After the departure of Karthik, it was Ganguly who was threatening to take charge
Complain about this postI judge umpiring from this perspective ... in the total absence of technology, what do I think about a decision? Karthik's in this Test and Ganguly's in the last are decisions that most umpires would give to the bowlers. For example, Dickie Bird would. The two batsmen fell to Lady Luck, a legit part of the game.
But Ganguly's LBW in this Test was incompetence at its finest. How could an umpire, who is closest to the batsman, closer even than the slips, not see or hear the thickest of thick inside edges?
But I disagree with those who say that because technology came to the rescue of KP when he was declared out, the same favour should have been shown to Ganguly. I agree with Ian Chapell that technology should not over-rule an umpire once he has given a decision.
I feel sorry for Matt Prior. A reality check is a harsh exam. He must know now that his job is to be a batting keeper, not a chatting keeper. Some of the byes conceded even Rod Marsh could not have got to. But some Prior could surely have stopped, if only he moved better. And dropping Tendulkar has already proved costly. He must now bat out of his skin to justify the all-rounder tag.
This has already turned out to be a fascinating series, where both bat and ball have had their periods of dominance. How I rue that this is not a 5-match series. It could have rivalled the Ashes tour of two summers back for excitement.
Complain about this postI expect India to take the game away from England tomorrow. They will score a lot more runs and occupy the crease long enough to make an England win impossible. In the current parlance, England can take away a lot of positives. Their second-choice pace attack has done a magnificent job throughout the series. Sidebottom may not be around for long but Anderson and Tremlett have grown up and shown that it is not such a tragedy that the "dream team", Flintoff, Harmison, Jones and Hoggard may never come together again.
It is the batsmen that have let us down,. The absence of key players, Flintoff and Tresco, is no excuse for the lack of application of those called upon to replace them and others who have done such a good job in the past.
The expectations of the one-day teams, whether 50 overs or Twenty-20 have never been that great in recent years, but in the real and everlasting cricket challenges, five-day test matches, it is not enough to beat the Windies. In England at least, we have to be able to beat everybody!
Complain about this postYes, the test is still vey wide open, if Vaughan continues his attacking instincts and gives each bowler the field that suits him the best.
If England manage to restrict India to below 450 runs and score quickly, they can still aspire to make a match of it.
Whether Rahul Dravid picks up the gauntlet is what we need to wait and see.
Rajgopal
Complain about this postIts sad to see that both Dinesh Karthik and Sourav Ganguly went out because of bad umpiring decisions. But I still that the key for England is to get India out as soon as possible whilst India simply have to bat as long as they can and pile the runs.
Complain about this postWith Tendulkar still on the crease think that India have an upper hand even thought its slight.
Hello,
Complain about this postUnless you have a wicket keeper who can bat like Gilchrist, or possibly Sangakara, which England does not, then you must pick the best keeper. Jones cost countless runs with his incompetece and now Prior too. The fact that Prior is obviously rather obnoxious doesnt help either. Im intruiged why whispers are often heard about Read being bad for team spirit. Is this true or is he being debriefed against?
KS
Dinesh Karthik admits he knicked it, so you can cross that off the list for 'bad umpire decisions'.
Matt Prior knows he screwed up, but as you say no one is perfect and to even suggest his place is now at threat is foolish. When a batsman goes for a duck we don't do that. If it's a consistent failure we can consider replacing a player but not one or two errors.
Prior's not the first to drop a catch (pietersen went through a spell of dropping sitters not so long ago) and he won't be the last.
Complain about this postGanguly's LBW error was as obvious as Dhoni's "catch" (of KP) in the 1st test. If KP was recalled to play, I don't see why Ganguly couldn't be as well.
Both were similar situations except for the nature of dismissal. The reason why KP was recalled was the obviousness of the error...the complete inambiguity of the mistake in the decision. It was exactly the same in Ganguly's case. Couldn't the ump see the replay on the big screen? How was KP asked to go back and play? His teammates? The ump? Why couldn't the same happen for Ganguly?
Not suggesting any controversy here, just adding to the argument that technology should be used in making decisions.
Recalling KP was right. Not recalling Ganguly was not.
Complain about this postFirst, Ian Howell needs to get his eyes checked. Second, he needs to throw those sunglasses he is wearing to give him a chance to see the ball in natural light. I wonder if ICC conducts a medical exam for the match umpires. People who are against using technology for controversial decisions advocate that umpires are human and they can make mistakes and it will be an embarassment for the umpires to go back on their decision (wrong one) once they have made it. Here is what I have to say... By using technology we are giving a chance for the umpire to correct himself and save him from the embarassment of living with the fact that he made a wrong decision. We are saving him from the criticism that comes his way in the wake of such blunders. Technology is coming to an umpire's rescue, not to belittle him. I am sooooooo surprised why people can not see and understand this simple logic... a 30 second embarassment of going back on your decision is better than an embarassment of a lifetime where the match is remembered in the annals of history for the umpiring blunders. In any case, it is not often that a dismissal is controversial. Most of them are straight forward. The ones involving faint nicks, half carried catches are rare and if the batsman feels that he hasn't nicked the ball, more often than not he is telling the truth. If he is lying the technology is going to rule him out, thereby justifying the umpire's decision in the first place. This will make the batsman feel embarassed! So this talk of umpires feeling embarassed is rubbish. The bottomline is... when a batsman complains, he has a reason for it. All his hardwork is undone by a finger. Let's give both the umpire and the batsman a chance...
Complain about this postengland are at number 2 position but thats not accurate..3 series wins against west indies..one against bangladesh etc..
Complain about this postplaying against a quality side has shown up certain flaws..
since 2205 ashes..i dont believe england have beaten a descent side..tell me if i'm wrong..
england fans bemoan their 2nd string attack..after 200 years of cricket..i guess 15 players of descent merit should be available??
also i believe india have the following unavailable...pathan..munaf patel, nehra, balaji, harbajan singh, sehwag..
its a squad game nowadays..otherwise its not possible to keep playing match after match..
Does the ICC have a system where the umpires pay for their wrong decisions? There should be some points system wherein umpires lose their test status or international match status after picking up lots of points. THey pick up points for bad decisions, more for terrible decisions like Ganguly's today and less for Kartik type decisions.
Or instead of that, a system where they get monetary fines for bad decisions. A little too harsh but I have a feeling this will work most effectively. We will find the quality of the umpiring magically become superior with the help of fines. Its very capitalistic and thats why it works but I can see how that would be going too far.
Anyway something has to be done to improve the quality of the umpiring. And is it just me or the quality of the umpiring was better in the 90s?
Great day over all for the Indians. If we cross 500 I think we will put levelling the series past the English.
Complain about this postI think this one is going to be a close one... And I think England might just lose this one as well!
I believe Sachin holds the key - especially the way he bats during the first 2 hrs of play. I have always been a big fan of Sachin. eventhough I am no fan of the way he is batting now. I am not convinced that his reflexes have vained or that his technique is awry... Its all in Sachin's mind. He must get out of his shell and stamp his authority on the game like he used to...
Many forget that Sachin's younger than Dravid & Ganguly. So 'being old' is no excuse for batting the way Dravid used to bat 5 yrs ago.... ('block, block, block, leave, block, leave')
To be frank, I thought Sachin had got over all those demons when I saw him bat in the ODIs against South Africa. Ntini was bowling to his body and Sachin took him apart by having an exaggerated shuffle to the off stump and then pulling and hooking him for about 5-6 boundaries... Sachin has to stay positive...
The way Karthik has batted has been a revealation. Hopefully the think tanks don't ask him to keep full time as well! Dhoni might be breaking a sweat for sure... But I think he's a smart chap and he's going to make a strong come back.
3 cheers to Team India :)
Complain about this postNot looking good unless we can skittle them out for less than 400, poor Matt Prior huge drop, and it was not a difficult chance at this level.
England going have to bat around 4.5 an over for nearly 2 days.
And a quick mention for Ryan Sidebottom, he has bowled exceptionally, and deserves more luck than whats he is getting.
Complain about this postIn case of Ganguly lbw decision Mr Howell, the field umpire, could have referred the matter to the third umpire to know whether the ball nicked the bat first, more so because Ganguly had indicated that he had bat to the ball first. After confirming from the third umpire Howell should have taken the decision.This would have saved Mr Howell all the criticism and would have raised reputation of Mr Howell as test match umpire.
Complain about this postAs an India fan but appreciate all good cricket, I have to say the match is tilted slightly towards India, the first session will be absolutely crucial and i see it being the key one in the Test match. India will be looking for 450+ to really put some pressur eon England.
As for the umpiring decisions, credit to Karthik for admitting he edged it and also credit to Ganguly for not exploding after seeing the finger go up. It was not a thin edge onto the pads but quite a clear deviation which Howell should have spotted. However I am still willing to give the umpires the benefit of the doubt, but its a fine line now!
India will have some tricky decisions to make regarding the team when Pathan/Harbhajan and Sehwag start performing again (they are all quality and I am sure they will), but that will be a good problem to have.
As for Prior, his footwork is not Test standard, and his average will not remain at 50 once he plays against more good bowling attacks. So England have to make a decision; do they want an excellent keeper who average 20-25ish with the bat (plus a solid keeper inspires confidence in his bowlers and slips without having resort to innane ramblings) or a batting-keeper who may at best average 35 over a period of time. I feel that those extra 15-20 runs are worthless if regulation catches go dropped and byes are given away. Read must be given a decent run in the team !
Also would love to see Sreesanth get his bowling mojo back, the English public really havent seen the best side of him and his ability to produce fiery spells and take wicket in quick succession (we saw it briefly at Lords). Sidebottom has been the unluckiest bowler on both teams, would like to see him get another 3 wickets this innings but not until india have 500+ ideally !
Complain about this postResponse to DJ (post 24):
I note you are choosing to overlook the decisions (i.e. lbw against Cook etc) that would make it look like the decisions had balanced out. Always makes me laugh when people are too ignorant to be objective.
More interesting is that Karthik says he nicked his, even though technology couldn't pick it up and Taufel said he had no doubt that Ganguly was out in the last test. He admitted to getting Tendulkar's wrong, so he is clearly being honest.
Can we really be so sure that technology will get it right every time? The captains of each test playing nation should be brought together with the umpiring panel to make a decision on whether to use technology. NOT ex-players and suits who think they know best. Current players and umpires need to make the decision so that the on-field umpires wouldn't feel that they were being criticised.
Complain about this postBemoaning umpire decisions will get us nowhere - but for all of the 'luck' that England have had...if Sreesanth hadn't survived THE LBW shout of the summer off Monty at Lord's, this test would be a decider in a 1-1 competition.
Complain about this postIf England bowl really well this morning (and hold their catches!) then they might be in with a sniff. They need to get India out for 450 maximum and then bat out of their skins themselves.
All credit to Karthik for confirming there WAS a nick when he got out.
On the wicketkeeping point, there is an obvious solution and he is called JAMES FOSTER!
Complain about this postin my opinion it is shame for the icc that ,such a wrong decision has given by umpire howell , as ther e was a big, the ball inside edge on pads from gangully, and the dismals of karthick,the ball was swigging and there was no edge o n that.it is not fair on this kind of format of an international cricket,the icc should have take a serious note of that,
Complain about this postLets not be down on Prior. Firstly, although everyone wanted him to take that catch. He didn't. And no one will be more disapointed than Prior himself. How do I know this you ask yourselves? Just look at his attitude and the way he plays. Don't critique him for playing with an aggressive manner. I think its missing from the game and its this ultra-competative nature that gives players like him and edge. Id like to see more of it. Next - Alec stewart wasn't the greatest wicket keeper at the start of his test career, but look where he eneded up. Prior is an undisputed talent, and an animal with a cricket bat. Lets not forget the clean strikes and massive scores of the windies games just yet. The guy is due a score granted, and to be honest with a road like this oval wicket for him to bat on, my money is on him in a big way. Thats if he gets a chance to get to the crease, beacuse all the top order are going to relish batting on this pitch. Go back and listen to the windies comentries again and listen to Viv Richards and Boycott in awe of this guys stroke play. Give the guy a break. And another jelly bean.
Complain about this postRe comment 24 (and many others): We all know the umpiring has been bad in this series but for people to complain about how unfortunate the Indians were yesterday is slightly short-sighted.
Over a series these poor decisions usually equal themselves out. It has to be borne in mind that correct umpiring decisions would've had India 80-1 in the second test whereas they went on to be 140-0. A score of 150-odd for India to chase in the second innings of that test would've been very touch & go so please be fair in your analysis.
Complain about this postI hate to disagree, Aggers, but I think England are already out of this one and the series. Losing the toss was a killer blow. On paper, England look like a good side, but in reality they only perform against easy-beats at the moment. If the opposition don't give away their wickets or feed us poor bowling, then we struggle. We've done this since the victorious Ashes in 2005. Somehow, it has been downhill all the way since then. Not sure how long the new regime will last.
Complain about this postAggers or any cricketing legend, could you answer this?
why is it that when a player makes a mistake it can cost them their position and importantly the match but when an offical live mr Howell makes a mistake nothing is ever done. millions are riding on a win/defeat and we blame players then why not officials?
on the other hand how is it that KP came back out to bat after the time Simon Taufuell had given him out and televison replays showed he was not out that he came back out. while S Ganguly was not told to go back for the 2 howllers he has recieved in the series or even Karthik?
i assume it has something to do with race but maybe i am wrong.
Complain about this postcould anyone tell me why players from the sub continent have not been knighted when players from other nations have for example
Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Garfield Sobers
Sir Vivian Richards
to name a few then why not
Sir Sunil Gavaskar
Complain about this postSir Kapil Dev
Sir Imran Khan
Sir Sachin Tendulkar.
Can anyone remind me when Geraint Jones dropped as big a name batsmen as Sachin Tendulkar? Jones problem always seemed to be later in the innings with the lower order batsmen at the crease,which is a problem with his concentration and not his technique. If anyone out there can tell me of a big name,regulation drop then it would be of surprise to me. Prior seems to be a competant batsman but is only averaging 15 with the bat this series and his 2 scores of 50 or more were against a poor West Indies bowling attack. Jones was dropped due to lack of runs,which is the same as Chris Read, but his keeping in his last 4 test series was hugely improved.
Complain about this postHowell is nowhere near Test class. I have seen a number of games he has umpired in and haven't been convinced once. There must be better than this man around?
Complain about this postKarthik has admitted that it was a definite nick according to ±«Óãtv Sport!
Complain about this postSo are you going to measure the success of your blog by the number of comments you receive or do you want to try and make some impact on the game by say - demanding better umpires than those we have seen so far or demanding that technology be used by umpires?
The current attitude of ICC is harming the game ....I mean what is the game if it is going to be controlled to by two people who give decisions and not by 22 who play the game. Irrespective of which team/person gets the bad decision the umpires who deliver them make complete mockery of 'twenty thousand' who watch the game.
I trust that anyone who romanticizes about cricket being a game of uncertainity surely does not refer to the umpiring errors that rob the deserving team of ascendancy in the match/session.
And what is it that make some people romance the umpires and abhor technology? They are like cavemen who insist on igniting a fire by rubbing stones and will refuse a lighter if offered one!
cheers,
Complain about this postSanjeev
I accept the criticism of the decisions of Ganguly and perhaps Karthik in this test and Sachin and Ganguly in the previous test; but to those people claiming the bad umpiring decisions are only affecting India I can recall two plum LBW decisions at Trent Bridge that Panesar had turned down in India's first innings that maybe, had they gone the other way, would have had a profound difference on the eventual result. I think you have to accept that bad umpiring decisions happen and usually even themselves out throughout a series. I do think after the bad fortune of the rain winning the first test, England have been unfortunate to lose two bad tosses. That said, I believe if the bowlers remain focused today and the batting lineup finally perform, England could still save this series.
Complain about this postEngland are getting a help from poor umpiring decision, ie karthik and ganguly again at a very important time of the game.
Complain about this postTo Mahinda Wajey on European umpires making decisions in favour of European players:
Because Indian or Sub-continent umpires have never ever been blatantly biased have they hmmm???!
As for the Read debate - part of the modern day wicketkeepers role in test cricket is to bat well - look at players around the world: Gilchrist, Sangakarra, Boucher averages 30+ and so does India's Dhoni, in fact Read's average of just under 19 is the worst in World Cricket i'd imagine. And if Flintoff returns this will further weaken our batting as the last few years he's looked a lot more like a number 7 than a number 6 (only averages 32.5) and this makes our batting very weak. Unfortunately we need someone who can bat as a wicketkeeper unless we play Flintoff as a bowler and bat him at 7 and then read at 8. If Prior is not up to the job then why not give Foster another go and get Prior to brush up on his skills.
Complain about this postSad to say that Prior's keeping is increasingly looking like Geraint Jones's - adventurous and committed but lacking basic skills. Two basic things wrong with the Tendulkar drop: his foot movement was initially to leg (inexcusable for a straight ball outside off) and his hand position when he got there gave him little chance of actually making the catch. He's too often going too hard at the ball rather than letting it come to him; what should have been a reasonably straighforward one-handed catch was dropped because he tried to take it in both hands, goalkeeper-style. All in all, he looks increasingly like no more than a batsman trying to keep wicket.
BTW Hiresh (no.88): only citizens of countries where the Queen is head of state can be knighted - so New Zealanders, Barbadians and Antiguans can, but Indians and Pakistanis can't.
Complain about this postWhy is everybody putting so much emphasis on 2 decisions and 1 dropped catch? It is cricket ..you take the rough with the smooth and perceived wrong decisions balance out over time. Karhik admiited to a small nick, so umpire was RIGHT irrespective of technology. Surely the senors in the system must have a limit to what sound or contact frequency it can operate. Only the batsman knows if he hit it
Complain about this postImagine the situation if KP and Vaughan were given out to such decisions - the media and everybody else would have been all over the umpires and the debate for getting technology more involved in such decisions would have resurfaced.
It is only because of the fact that England are benefiting from these decisions that these issues are being brushed under the carpet. So very typical of the English...
Apart from the lucky escape (although a valiant effort from Dhoni cannot be overlooked) in the first test at the hands of the weather, I think the luck has largely favoured the English batsmen /bowlers in this series.
Complain about this postI never cease to be alarmed at the level of major errors committed by 'professional' umpires. For the type of lifestyle they enjoy as a spin-off from their participation, they display an amazing propensity for incompetence. Two things always occur to me in relation to umpiring.
Complain about this post1. With all the betting scandals that have shadowed the game for so long, how closely have the men who can most influence the outcome of a game been looked at?
2. LBW should be a much rarer form of dismissal: The umpire should be giving a tiny percent of appeals for this form of dismissal because whatever anyone says no one can prove the ball would have hit the stumps. Of course, when it hits the bat first!!!
What a terrible shame that this isn't a five test series, in 4 days time it'll all be over when it could be 2 - 0 India with two to play. Instead we have 7 one day matches, why on earth does this happen? Surely test match cricket must take priority, with only 3 test matches in India 2 winters back and now this we are not getting the most out of a contest that easily rivals a series against the Aussies in terms of talent and intensity.
Complain about this postKarthik said on TV: "I was definitely disappointed the way I got out. There was a small nick, no doubt about that."
Just because slow-mo replays don't confirm it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Umpire got it spot on this time.
Complain about this postEngland pick the best batsman,the best bowlers, the best allrounder (when he is fit) but continue to neglect the the best wicketkeeper.
For that blame one man Duncan Fletcher.
Sadly, Chris Read's face never fitted in with Fletcher and it was so obvious when Pete Moores was appointed that Prior would get the nod.
Until England recogonise that this is a specialists postiion this is going to keep reoccurring.
Chris Read is the best keeper so England should pick him its quite simple really.
Complain about this postIt's interesting that Karthik admitted in interview that he nicked it after all. How delightful to know that technology is not flawless. This series is in the bag for India and they have shown up some pretty awful shortcomings of this England side. Am I right in believing they will win the series without a single batsman having scored a century? What does that say about England's efforts with the bat?
Complain about this postOn the subject of Asian cricketers not getting knighthoods, two things:
1. Why would they want a knighthood from a Queen they don't want?
2. Maharaj Kumar of Vizianagram ("Vizzy") was awarded a knighthood but turned it down.
Complain about this postI is pathatic umpiring...last time simon and this time howell....it is umpires who are taking wickets in this series...it's shame on them....sidebottom is unlucky and fantastic belower...but ball of the day is dravid wicket....
Complain about this postThe last test match has got off to a great start.
It was amusing to see the English bowlers and fielders a far more subdued lot on the first day, no doubt keeping to a gag order, given the amount of column-inches their jabber-jabber got in the previous test.
Vaughn's field placements were defensive from the start. The captain's intentions clear, his bowlers concentrated a bit more on drying up runs - sending deliveries in the direction of the first slip and leg gully!
It's no fault of Prior that he had to stretch till Tokyo to try to nab them!
Though he really should have latched on to Tendulkar's heavy nick. There are things hanging heavy in the keeper's mind.
Tendulkar, who in his initial years, used to explode into action from the word go, has slowed down a bit.
I think it's got to do with fact that when he comes in, he considers the run situation and if he thinks there arent many to come, he downs the shutters and scratches away till he gets a really lose ball.
Complain about this postRef comment 89. Absolutely right, decisions even themselves out. Let's not forget that in the very last over of the 1st Test, just before rain stopped the match and with one wicket required, Sreenath was out plumb lbw. Everyone appealed, Hawkeye had him bang to rights, but the umpire saw otherwise. That decision cost us the Test Match, not just bragging rights over a session as yesterday's howlers did. Use technology, drop offending umpires and get into the 21st Century. We would be playing at 1 - 1 today if we had.
Complain about this postWhy has matt prior been picked for the england team? He is overated with both gloves and bat and there is a much better underated keeper out there who should be given a chance.
Complain about this postThe person i am talking about is Jon Batty who plays for surrey. England have been ingoring him over and over again, he should be given a chance...
You guys can say all you want. England have had more than their share of luck! Fair enough India were lucky in the first Test (but rain was always predicted) and i think India deserve a pat on the back for holding out with just Dhoni and Sreesanth (who can't bat to save his life).
1) India have also relatively inexperienced players - Sreesanth, RP Sing, KARTHIK. How many matches have they played then???
2) India deserved to win the 2nd Test. Look how Gangully and Tendulkar were dismissed in the same innings. England should count themselves lucky they both didn't score a century each other wise the score would have been even more embarrassing.
3) Well the two decisions yesterday were nothing short of DREADFUL. KP walked back on to the field after he saw the replay when he was not out in the last test. So why weren't both of these decisions referred??? This isn't some kids game - it's a competitive sport and those Indian batsmen deserved to be batting if they were not out.
4) Regardless of the result - Draw/Win whatever. India were the better side and England should thank their lucky stars that the Indian batsmen were stopped by the Umpires otherwise we all know that England would have been out of the game YESTERDAY.
Engalnd are a damn good team and thats why they are number 2 in world - however they were not the better side in this Series and sure as hell do not deserve to win this final match or draw this series.
Complain about this postCHAK DE INDIA!!!
India make a great start, but match is still open for both team, today first half will decied that where this math will go
Complain about this postI hope it'll be draw
Prior is a poor keeper, his technique is awful and his inane wittering behind the stumps is a poor reflection on English cricket. Bring back Read ASAP.
Complain about this postwhy not go for Mustard at Durham - he is the best glove man. his quick runs are a bonus and a good opener in 20/20
Complain about this postyes. chris read should've been in the test team for a couple of years. but having said that i wouldn't be surprised if he told the england selectors to shove off now after the way he's been bandied about...
prior has not become a bad player over night. he should still be in the one day team.
thanks but good riddance to the king of spain. lovely chap, i'm sure. but being friends with freddie and fletch and being managed by fairbrother are no longer the main selection criteria for the england team... :-]
Complain about this postits all about BOOM BOOM dhoni. Watch the new indian captain display fireworks in the twenty 20
Complain about this postBrilliant performance by the Indian team. How nice that every player has scored a two-digit score to his credit despite having to play against english eleven plus umpires! What a shame that one of the umpires ruled against star batsmen Tendulkar and Ganguli despite clearly being not out !
Complain about this postThe team deserves full compliments and congrattulations.
England have been decimated by top class Indian batting as it has only been 10th time in the history of cricket that all eleven players have scored in double figures.
Fantastic India but feel for England as the young bowlers gave their heart out but it was not enough.
Thanks to ECB for organising last test match at Oval as ECB tried to be too smart by arranging two matches at Lords and Oval where Tendulkar has not done well at all in the past.
Dhoni is a very popular person from North East Bihar.
Also fantastic Kumble realising his dream
Complain about this postPrior should have tooken that catch.
Complain about this postNow he has to score a century
Prior is only in the team because he is from Sussex, he is a rubbish keeper. Anderson very expensive. Vaughan again proves he is not the best of captains.
Complain about this postThe Umpire should be sacked after those two diobolical decisions. There is no excuse for that level of poor umpiring.
Complain about this postIndia was playing mega professionaly. both teams had a great experiance.unlucky tendulkar,kartickand dhoni who were very close to getting centuries.England was plaing very poor!
Complain about this postThere are a few things to consider here. One get rid of umpires period, user technology. I mean yeah the English invented the game, but alas they suck at it now. Get BCCI to throw its weight around, BCCI is where the moolah is not the ICC not ECB. Get the the English and Australian players into some grooming classes, behavioral training, appropriate language usage, i mean they behave like a bunch of thugs and do this in the name of agression.
Complain about this postTwo, please stop those local english jokes, i just dont get it, a tiny freaking island, and you expect the world to know some local english tv show? God, why not something more global?
When India can bat like this way in 3rd test in England, What happen in world cup 2007? Our bastman can play , If they apply their mind into Game.
Complain about this postThe English team played in a disspirited manner.No enthusiasm and no coordination. Cant believe the same team walloped WI only a month back
Complain about this postOn Karthik dismissal..Karthik did admit on indian television that he had indeed nicked it .So where does that leave all the "for technology" argument.
Complain about this postPOOR OL'GANGULY...WHAT IS HE TO DO,WHEN ENGLAND TEAM CONSISTS OF 12 PLAYERS INSTD OF 11 INCLUDING THE UMPIRE HOWELL OF'COURSE!!
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