So apparently during the last Ashes Test match, the umpire made a heap of bad calls. I wouldn’t know, I was sleeping. But apparently one of them was missed by not only the umpire, but also the commentators (which isn’t surprising given how boring the sport actually is). That is, until Foxtel iQ owners picked up on the incorrect decision and letr the commentators know via a flood of emails.
Now, if you’re like me, try not to fall asleep while I describe to you what happened: English bowler Andrew Flintoff bowled to Simon Katich, who hit the ball and was caught. Out. Except iQ viewers, who replayed the scene, saw that Flintoff had actually placed his foot over the line and bowled a no ball. After the emails were received at Fox Sports HQ, the commentators acknowledged the erroneous dismissal, although the umpire, unsurprisingly, did nothing.
So what kind of lesson does this teach our kids? I’m going to stick with the fact that cricket’s a dull, dull sport.
Jess
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4:30 PMAs far as I am concerned it isn’t a sport if chubby guys can play it.
If they’re the elite of the elite they should look like sculpted models of human fitness.
Jon
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4:42 PMThe annoying part of it all is that technology already exists to identify these kinds of things faster than an on-field umpire.
I wish they would just agree on a standard set of ‘umpire support’ technology that fed into an earpiece on field. Nobody would notice the change in the game, other than improved umpiring.
JB
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4:55 PM“I’m going to stick with the fact that cricket’s a dull, dull sport.”
I’ll second that comment.
Ricky Ponting
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4:58 PMIt is un Australian not to love cricket. It has more tactics than a game of chess. It’s all about the mind games and a test of the toughest.
Kieran Cummings
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 8:12 AM“It has more tactics than a game of chess.” [Citation Needed]
Dave
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4:59 PMCricket isnt a dull, dull sport.
I like cricket
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 5:01 PMWow Nick…Harsh!
Are you here to talk about the gizmo that is Foxtel iQ or brag about a game that you clearly don’t know enough about to the enjoy.
Pick a topic and stick to it.
james-mac
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 5:09 PMRespect for authorities?
When you walk onto the oval you accept that the umpire is the final arbiter… he may be blind, and have made a stupid call, but at the end of the day it’s his call.
Good on our lads for saying, it’s crap but it’s the decision… so we’re going to live with it.
The commentators however, should be shot for missing that.
me
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 9:47 PMHow could it be a dull sport if they can sell out the stadium 5 days in a row!!!!!!!!!!
boc
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 10:43 PMFor any tournament played they do agree upon what assistance is available to umpires, such as third umpires and the referral/challenge system.
This particular story is about The Ashes, that does not use these assists so that it’s more traditional in play.
Bad calls are painful, but, they are part of the game. In the previous game England got a couple of bad calls too. It evens out in the end.
Shay
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 11:47 PMYou shut your cake hole, Broughall!
You hate cricket? You should have kept that little fact to yourself. I’m afraid now you’re on the list. Which list? Oh, you’ll see… you’ll see…
That’s a joke, btw. Please don’t send the cops ’round. But still. Cricket is awesome. You need some learnings.
Roman
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 8:52 AMcricket is awesome
I put it on the tv when im having troubles sleeping and i’m off catching some Z’s in no time!
imsocoldsteven
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 4:25 PMcricket, beer and bbqs go hand in hand.. a real mans sport