“Saud Shakeel was clearly not out:” fans ‘not happy’ with third umpire’s controversial decision
Cricket fans were ‘not happy’ with the third umpire’s decision to dismiss Pakistani batter Saud Shakeel on the fourth day of the test match between Pakistan and England at Multan Cricket Stadium.
In the last over before the lunch break, Saud Shakeel was batting on 94 runs when he caught behind on Mark Wood’s ball; Ollie Pope dives and takes the catch.
As the English side appealed loudly, umpire Aleem Dar made his way to colleague and square leg umpire Marais Erasmus to discuss the dismissal. Dar concurred that there was an edge but remained suspicious regarding the catch and if it was taken cleanly by Pope.
However, after the consultation, both umpires gave the ‘Out’ soft signal.
Third-umpire Joel Wilson had a long look at the replays even as the ball, at one point, looked like it had touched the ground. Another angle suggested that Ollie Pope had got his gloves wrapped around the ball.
According to the laws, unless there is conclusive evidence to turn the on-field decision, the third umpire sticks with the original call. In this case, the soft signal was ‘Out’ and Joel Wilson decided to stick with the same.
The decision called controversial by several former cricketers including ex-Pakistan skipper Waqar Younus.
England seal test series
England took an unbeatable 2-0 lead over Pakistan in the three-match Test series with a 26-run win in the second game at Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Pakistan, who resumed the fourth day on 198-4, looked set for victory at one point but fast bowler Mark Wood led England’s fightback by removing Mohammad Nawaz for 45 and Saud Shakeel for 94.
Ollie Robinson dismissed the last batter, Mohammad Ali, for nought some 50 minutes after lunch to spark celebrations among the England players.
Wood finished with 4-65.
England, on their first Test tour of Pakistan for 17 years, won the first Test by 74 runs in Rawalpindi.
The third and final Test begins in Karachi on Saturday.
Scores: England 281 and 275; Pakistan 202 and 328
