Experts criticise umpires as Bell survives close lbw appeal
Bangalore, February 27: The crucial group B World Cup match between India and England here today witnessed a controversial moment when Ian Bell was ruled not out by on-field umpire Billy Bowden to a delivery, which TV replays clearly showed, was hitting the stumps. The final ball of the 25th over, bowled by slow left-arm spinner Yuvraj Singh, struck Bell on the pads and HawkEye, the ball-tracking system, suggested it was going to hit middle and off in the centre.
The batsman, shaping for a sweep, was almost on his way back after watching replays on the giant screen, but Bowden was not convinced. India called for a review, but third umpire Rod Tucker somehow went with Bowden's decision as Bell was well forward and there were more than 2.5m between the point of impact on his pads and the stumps.
The controversial decision was roundly criticised by commentators Nasser Hussain and Sourav Ganguly. The former England skipper said that irrespective of whether the distance was 2.5m or 3m, the decision was wrong, and Ganguly agreed. 'I don't care whether it is 2.5 or 3.5 or 4.5, the ball was clearly going to hit the middle stump and he should have been given out, Hussain said. Fellow commentator Ganguly said, 'I do agree with you, Nasser, I think Bell is very lucky to have survived.'
Bangalore, February 27: The crucial group B World Cup match between India and England here today witnessed a controversial moment when Ian Bell was ruled not out by on-field umpire Billy Bowden to a delivery, which TV replays clearly showed, was hitting the stumps. The final ball of the 25th over, bowled by slow left-arm spinner Yuvraj Singh, struck Bell on the pads and HawkEye, the ball-tracking system, suggested it was going to hit middle and off in the centre.
The batsman, shaping for a sweep, was almost on his way back after watching replays on the giant screen, but Bowden was not convinced. India called for a review, but third umpire Rod Tucker somehow went with Bowden's decision as Bell was well forward and there were more than 2.5m between the point of impact on his pads and the stumps.
The controversial decision was roundly criticised by commentators Nasser Hussain and Sourav Ganguly. The former England skipper said that irrespective of whether the distance was 2.5m or 3m, the decision was wrong, and Ganguly agreed. 'I don't care whether it is 2.5 or 3.5 or 4.5, the ball was clearly going to hit the middle stump and he should have been given out, Hussain said. Fellow commentator Ganguly said, 'I do agree with you, Nasser, I think Bell is very lucky to have survived.'
News Posted: 27 February, 2011
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