Over the years, while there has been no shortage of umpiring howlers in the game of cricket, one is all for umpires getting some leeway as they are often left with no more than a few seconds to make a decision. However, there are no excuses for third umpires who have the benefit of watching several video replays before having to make a decision.
In an ODI match between Sri Lanka and Australia at Galle in 1999, Adam Gilchrist was at the receiving end of an umpiring error that has got to be among the worst ever seen. Called for a tight single by Ricky Ponting, Gilchrist responded positively and seemed to reach the striker’s end with a fair degree of comfort. The square leg umpire, however, did not want to take any risk and decided to consult the third umpire.
Replays clearly showed that Gilchrist was at least 6 or 7 inches inside the crease with his bat firmly on the ground when the wicketkeeper took the bails off, but the third umpire, rather incredulously, flashed the red light and sent Gilchrist back to the pavilion.
At first, it seemed as though the third umpire might have pressed the wrong button and would eventualy recall Gilchrist back, but that wasn’t to be the case.
Watch the video here:
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