Cricket

Ashes: Simon Taufel, Ian Botham slam third umpire for controversial no-ball call

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey survived after getting dismissed due to a no-ball in the ongoing fifth Ashes Test.

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Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes (Image source: Twitter)

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey was given a reprieve after being dismissed as the third umpire ruled the delivery as no ball. The incident happened during the 37th over bowled by Chris Woakes. The second delivery of the over took an inside edge and went straight into the stumps. The celebration of English players was short-lived as the third umpire Paul Reiffel called it a no-ball.

Carrey had made 19 runs off 29 deliveries when this happened. Reiffel took a long pause before calling it a no-ball. Replays showed that Woakes was tight on the front line and the call could have gone either way. 

Sir Ian Botham, who was commentating in the match, blasted the third umpire. He mentioned that there was no conclusive evidence that the ball was not a legitimate one. He also mentioned that Woakes’ shoe was behind the line and hence, it was not a no-ball.

“I do not see that as (a) conclusive (no-ball) in any way, shape or form. That boot there is on the ground and that for me is just behind,” Botham said.

Renowned umpire Simon Taufel also reacted to the controversy as said had he been the third umpire, he would have not called it a no-ball. "I'm sitting at home looking at those pictures and if they're the pictures the third umpire is seeing, I don't think that I'd overrule that and call that a no-ball," said Taufel

English fast bowler Mark Wood picked six wickets in the second innings as Australia could make only 155 runs their innings, setting a target of 271 to win for England. The visitors got off to a solid start but couldn't capitalize on as Australian bowlers run riot in the final hour and bowled out England for 124, winning the game by 146 runs. Australia won the series 4-0

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