New Zealand beat Australia in the third ODI in Hamilton to seal the Chappell-Hadlee ODI Trophy. In the series decider, the Blackcaps defeated the Aussies by 55 runs in their captain Brendon McCullum’s final ODI. But this match also set fire to a controversy over a decision by umpire Ian Gould. In the post-match press conference, Australian captain Steven Smith was booed by the Seddon Park crowd, just after he expressed his disappointment over the controversial dismissal of Mitchell Marsh which potentially changed the course of the match.
Marsh had scored 41 of 42 balls and was looking to steer his side towards victory when he jabbed a Matt henry delivery into the blockhole straight back to the bowler. It looked like Marsh had played it safely on the pitch, yet Henry made a half-hearted appeal.
Australian captain booed by the hamilton crowd
Initially umpire Ian Gould gave no response to the appeal but just then the shot showed on the big screen and the crowd roared for the wicket when the video showed that the ball bounced back off Marsh’s shoe. When asked about his opinion on this ‘controversial decision’ the Australian captain said, “I was a bit disappointed about it.”
This comment made the Hamilton crowd booed him but boos quickly turned into cheers when he said that the correct decision was made. He said, "The right decision was made - he was out - there was no doubt about that."
Marsh made his frustration visible as he was furious when the giant out came flashing on the big screen. Australia were 164-6 then chasing 247 to win the match and the series. After Marsh’s misfortune, Australia’s trouble grew as they also lost John Hastings, their other batting hero from the last match at Westpac Stadium.
In the end, Australia only managed to add 27 runs to their account from that situation when Marsh was given out. Australia lost the match by 55 runs and also lost the three-match series 1-2. This is Australia’s second consecutive series lost prior to the whitewash in the hands of India in their home.
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