A recent Test match between Australia and West Indies saw Australian captain Pat Cummins involved in a heated discussion with umpire Nitin Menon over a controversial run-out incident.
The Run-Out That Wasn’t
The drama unfolded during the 24th over of the West Indies’ innings. Batsman John Campbell attempted a quick single after pushing the ball towards mid-on.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, quick on his feet, fielded the ball and delivered a direct hit to the non-striker’s end. Surprisingly, neither Cummins, the bowler Mitchell Starc, nor any of the slip fielders initially appealed for the run-out.
Replay Sparks Controversy
The situation escalated when the stadium’s big screen showed a replay of the incident. The footage suggested that Campbell’s bat might have bounced up after initially grounding, appearing to be in the air when the bails were dislodged.
This kind of play usually requires a closer look by the TV umpire to determine if the bat was properly grounded. However, umpire Nitin Menon did not refer the decision upstairs.
Cummins Questions the Call
Upon seeing the replays, a visibly frustrated Pat Cummins approached the umpire. Stump microphones picked up Cummins asking, “Why wouldn’t you just check it? Can you check it now?”
According to commentator Ian Bishop, umpire Menon explained to Cummins that he hadn’t referred the decision because no appeal had been made by the Australians. At this point, substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne reportedly claimed, “But I did!”
A Deja Vu Moment
What makes this incident even more peculiar is its striking similarity to a previous encounter between the same two teams. Just last year, during a T20I match in February 2024, Australia was denied a potential wicket against the West Indies for the exact same reason: no appeal was made.
In that instance, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh threw the ball to Spencer Johnson, who dislodged the bails. Replays showed the batsman was short of his crease, prompting Australian celebrations that were quickly cut short when umpire Gerard Abood stated, “Stop, stop, stop, hang on. Stop, there was no appeal.”
Australian player Tim David insisted he had appealed from deep point, calling the situation “a joke.” David Warner was also heard remarking that it was “an umpire error.”
- A direct hit from Pat Cummins appeared to run out John Campbell.
- Umpire Nitin Menon did not refer the decision, citing a lack of appeal from the Australian fielders.
- Australian players, including substitute Marnus Labuschagne, claimed they did appeal.
- This incident mirrors a similar no-appeal controversy between Australia and West Indies from 2024.
These back-to-back controversies highlight the critical role of timely appeals in cricket and how a simple oversight can lead to significant on-field debate.
A recent Test match between Australia and West Indies saw Australian captain Pat Cummins involved in a heated discussion with umpire Nitin Menon over a controversial run-out incident.
The Run-Out That Wasn’t
The drama unfolded during the 24th over of the West Indies’ innings. Batsman John Campbell attempted a quick single after pushing the ball towards mid-on.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, quick on his feet, fielded the ball and delivered a direct hit to the non-striker’s end. Surprisingly, neither Cummins, the bowler Mitchell Starc, nor any of the slip fielders initially appealed for the run-out.
Replay Sparks Controversy
The situation escalated when the stadium’s big screen showed a replay of the incident. The footage suggested that Campbell’s bat might have bounced up after initially grounding, appearing to be in the air when the bails were dislodged.
This kind of play usually requires a closer look by the TV umpire to determine if the bat was properly grounded. However, umpire Nitin Menon did not refer the decision upstairs.
Cummins Questions the Call
Upon seeing the replays, a visibly frustrated Pat Cummins approached the umpire. Stump microphones picked up Cummins asking, “Why wouldn’t you just check it? Can you check it now?”
According to commentator Ian Bishop, umpire Menon explained to Cummins that he hadn’t referred the decision because no appeal had been made by the Australians. At this point, substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne reportedly claimed, “But I did!”
A Deja Vu Moment
What makes this incident even more peculiar is its striking similarity to a previous encounter between the same two teams. Just last year, during a T20I match in February 2024, Australia was denied a potential wicket against the West Indies for the exact same reason: no appeal was made.
In that instance, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh threw the ball to Spencer Johnson, who dislodged the bails. Replays showed the batsman was short of his crease, prompting Australian celebrations that were quickly cut short when umpire Gerard Abood stated, “Stop, stop, stop, hang on. Stop, there was no appeal.”
Australian player Tim David insisted he had appealed from deep point, calling the situation “a joke.” David Warner was also heard remarking that it was “an umpire error.”
- A direct hit from Pat Cummins appeared to run out John Campbell.
- Umpire Nitin Menon did not refer the decision, citing a lack of appeal from the Australian fielders.
- Australian players, including substitute Marnus Labuschagne, claimed they did appeal.
- This incident mirrors a similar no-appeal controversy between Australia and West Indies from 2024.
These back-to-back controversies highlight the critical role of timely appeals in cricket and how a simple oversight can lead to significant on-field debate.
