Bangladesh called for the return of neutral umpires to international cricket, claiming that “inconsistent” decisions put them at a disadvantage in the first Test against South Africa, which is currently being played in Durban.
Umpires from host countries have been used especially since 2020, when the pandemic led to travel restrictions around the world.
1st Test, SA vs BAN: full scorecard , full comment
South African umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock stand in the Durban Test, where Bangladesh have been on the wrong end of several close calls in the second innings.
Dean Elgar was not out on the field in the fifth over after Erasmus hit his back foot, but tracking techniques showed that the ball was only cutting the stumps and so he escaped on the basis of “umpire’s call”. .
Shortly thereafter he successfully reversed Holdstock’s surprising not out lbw decision against Searle RV, which was shown plumb.
Seven overs later, Khalid Ahmed was denied a lbw decision against Keegan Pietersen. This time Bangladesh tried to maintain their dwindling quota of reviews and did not go up. But replays showed it should have been given out.
Elgar scored 64 and Pietersen 36, leading Bangladesh team director Khalid Mahmood to speak to reporters after the game.
“Some decisions went against us, which had come our way, we might have been chasing 180 instead of 270,” he said.
“Of course we have respect for the umpires… but to be honest, I have seen such inconsistent umpiring after many days.
Now the whole world is open, hopefully the ICC will consider giving a neutral umpire.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is sitting out of the match, was among a bunch of Bangladeshi social media users criticizing the umpires.
Shakib tweeted, “I think it’s time for ICC to go back to neutral umpires as the covid situation in most cricket playing countries is fine.”
The venerable coach Najmul Abedin, mentor to many Bangladesh players, was more outspoken.
“The umpires are clearly favoring the home team in terms of all close calls… SHAME!!!” they wrote.
Bangladesh bowled out the Proteas for 204 in the second innings on the fourth day on Sunday and needed 274 runs to win.
But the Tourists were trailing 11-3 while chasing a first Test win against South Africa.
The fifth and last day is on Monday.
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