Just when you thought the awesome Aussies wee finally vulnerable against the most disciplined attack in some time, the umpires came to Australia's rescue. They refused to give the Aussie batsmen out! Loud snicks for caught behind were ignored, and clear stumpings were ruled not out. It was as if Australia were playing with 13 players, not 11. I know it might be said that these were "honest" mistakes, can we please have some more accountability in umpiring standards in world cricket?!! People pay a lot to get a cracking contest. When it is ruined by pathetic umpiring, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Dont get me wrong, the Aussies are a strong team and I do not grudge them the best team in the world status, not by long shot. But today, India had them, almost, and that almost will never be captured in statistics. RP Singh and Harbhajan bowled brilliantly to have them at 136 for 6 and while Hogg and Symonds played well, they were helped along by some atrocious umpiring decisions. Ponting was out twice before he was given wrong out on 55. Symonds went on to make 137 (still not out) when he was clearly out in his thirties and then again, on 48. What does India have to do to get them out, bribe the umpires tonight??!!!
I am amazed, that given all the technology and the money that is flowing into the cricket, the standard of umpiring remains so abysmal and how India continues to get the short shaft when it comes to good umpires. I remember in the One Day series finals in England earlier in 2007, both Sachin and Dravid were given out incorrectly, at that time, by Aleem Dar, and we were robbed of the final. If Australia do win the Sydney, they have to thank Benson and Steve "Shocker" Bucknor for their victory.
Many a times, I have complained about India's performance. Today, I will not, for the bowlers deserve nothing but kudos and while my blood boils in anger at the two umpires, there is nothing you can do but wonder at the stupidity of the officials to allow such things to happen. I am pretty certain, if Indians complain, it will be a matter of sour grapes.
Lets get rid of the double standards- when Ponting complains about umpiring, he is being fair, when Kumble complains, he is whining...
Will someone get some sense here.
I wish the Indian team luck but when you are stacked 11 against 13 with the most powerful men in the jury in the opposite, it becomes just a wee bit difficult to win, dont you think!!
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