Aleem Dar’s all-time umpiring howler late on day three of the first Test may have cost Australia a chance to go 1-0 up in the Ashes series.
Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle has seen bigger shockers than Dar’s inexplicable decision to give a nicking Stuart Broad not out with the match on a knife’s edge at Trent Bridge.
But they hardly came at such a pivotal moment: “Probably in the backyard, maybe off my brother,” said Siddle, when asked if he’d seen a more obvious nick.
The Australians were in trouble anyway, but one of the worst decisions in recent memory brought the fighting tourists to their knees.
They’ll likely need to break fourth-innings records to take a series lead to Lord’s.
When Broad clearly edged Ashton Agar (2-82) through the gloves of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and into the safe hands of Michael Clarke at first slip in the 118th over, England were six down and leading by 230.
At stumps on day three, Ian Bell (95no) and Broad (47no) had their century partnership up and now have the chance to drive their 261-run lead out of Australia’s reach when play resumes on Saturday at 6-326.
Dar was given a spray by filthy Australia captain Clarke at the time and copped a similar baking from commentators at the ground and fans and ex-cricketers on Twitter.
Australia had already foolishly used up the last of their DRS challenges, but it was still unbelievable that, in the circumstances, Dar didn’t himself double check the decision with the third umpire.
Broad was under the spotlight for his stance not to walk, but received overwhelming support from ex-players and teammate Kevin Pietersen (65).
“We play hard. We play fair and each individual has the responsibility and makes the judgement if he will wait for the umpire’s decision,” Pietersen said in a rare appearance in front of the media.
“Aleem Dar … has been rated one of the best umpires in world cricket over the last few years. Wait and respect his decision.”
Siddle also stood up for Broad.
“How many people have ever walked?”
On the very next over Australia’s frustrations were compounded when Haddin dropped Bell from Siddle’s bowling, with the Victorian quick slashing his arms in frustration.
Siddle said his side handled their emotions well.
“It happens. It’s the umpires decision and you just take it and that’s what we did,” he said.
“We just went about it. You finish the over and go through to the next over. If you watched out there, there wasn’t a big deal made of it. We got stuck in and just kept working to get the wicket.”
England chased 284 in the fourth innings to beat New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 2004 and, in all likelihood, Australia will have to better that record effort to take an Ashes lead.
When Bell and Broad came together, Australia were in control – England six down and leading by just 153.
However, despite the match-turning partnership, Siddle believes Australia can bat their way to victory on a wicket that’s slow but doesn’t appear to be breaking up.
“The first hour is going to be the big key for us,” Siddle said.
“If we can crack it open early, and restrict that score .. and go about our business.”
