Indian captain MS Dhoni has doused controversy about a ‘missing ball’ umpiring blunder that cost his side victory in Tuesday night’s dramatic tie against Sri Lanka.
India’s batsmen faced one less ball than they should have in the Adelaide Oval thriller, with their 30th over containing just five deliveries.
The mistake proved crucial as India finished their run chase at 9-236 – the same score as the Sri Lankans.
But Dhoni distanced the Indians from any complaint.
“It’s done and dusted, that is what is important,” Dhoni said.
“We can create a big fuss out of it, but what is the point?”
The error was extraordinary, given it passed by both umpires on the field, a third umpire in the grandstand and a match referee.
“We have seen in the past, we have bowled an over and almost changed sides (ends) and the third umpire interferes and says `OK, you have to bowl one more ball in this particular over’,” Dhoni said.
“It didn’t happen in this game.
“I don’t know why.
“But we don’t really want to create a controversy out of it, nothing can be done right now.”
While Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene said with a smile, “I’m not complaining,” Dhoni said he wouldn’t lodge an official protest.
The Indian captain needed to hit the last ball of the match for four to give India a win – but his lofted cover drive was saved on the fence as the batsmen ran three runs, which tied the match.
Dhoni linked the `missing ball’ howler to his refusal to allow India to use the Decision Review System (DRS).
“If it (a five-ball over) can happen, then I don’t know why people back DRS so much,” he said.
“We have seen people really being happy with DRS in one series when it goes in their favour and if it doesn’t go in their favour, they’re unhappy about it.
“… two umpires in the middle, a third umpire, and a match referee and the scorer – if it (a five-ball over) does still happen, it’s better off accepting it because as humans they are bound to make mistakes.
“It’s a controversy that is right there – we don’t really want to get into anything like that, just stick to the result that has happened.
“Hopefully it won’t be repeated with us or any other side.”
Priyantha K
Guest
Cricket by chance! That is what I learned When I was a kid, I saw it happen. Dhoni is a gentleman, So is Mahela Anything could happen In a game of CHANCE Not to worry About the teams But start worrying About the Gamblers Because it's "Win-Win" Spectators loved it Supporters were surprised Fantastic record Saved for eternity Thanks to all... nothing to talk. Be delighted.. come to the next game!!! .
Ballymore
Guest
Most people, myself included would have expected India to have a large, public cry since things didn't go their way. Credit to MS Dhoni. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Vas Venkatramani
Guest
Given how many dot balls get used up during overs 1-45, I highly doubt the significance of one ball in the 30th over. Regardless of that one missed ball, India should still have won that match. But Sri Lanka did well to survive. As for people saying that one missed ball in the 30th over should be compensated by a seven-ball over in the 50th, that would be like taking a first aid kit away from a bomb victim and giving it instead to an unharmed civilian - the circumstances are slightly different.
jameswm
Guest
Talk about a beat-up. If it had happened in thr last over, then sure, it'd be crucial. But there were still 20 overs to go. India had the chance to win it if they were good enough. Not a big deal.
jameswm
Guest
Sounds like a segue Today Tonight would be proud of...
Red Kev
Guest
I think it was more of a "mistakes happen" kind of thing. It is a nice subtle point for Dhoni to make though: "if I can get over this, you all need to get over the DRS issue, accept the mistakes and move on".
Will Sinclair
Guest
"Dhoni linked the `missing ball’ howler to his refusal to allow India to use the Decision Review System (DRS). “If it (a five-ball over) can happen, then I don’t know why people back DRS so much,” he said." Can someone please explain Dhoni's thinking here? It looks like a truly heroic feat of logical thinking...
Andyc
Roar Rookie
Channel 9 didn't pick it up even though the graphics at the bottom of the screen clearly indicated that only 5 balls had been bowled. This comes on the back of a recent 7 ball over in this tournament, bad umpiring at this level.
Matt F
Roar Guru
It's a massive error. It was more likely that India would have won off that extra ball but it's impossible to know for certain that they would have so keeping the result as it stands is the right move. Had they bowled that 6th ball in the 30th over, and SL taken a wicket, then they could have won. We'll never know
Gucci
Guest
When did they realise this? If someone had realised this before the end of the match, could there be a 7th ball in the 50th over? That would be extraordinary.
Cameron
Guest
I agree with you on that point, Sri Lanka should have won, but with two missed run-out opportunities, the match ended up a tie.
The Boundary Rider
Roar Rookie
It was a bad blunder, and I've seen some saying it robbed India. I don't buy that, and I dont think it really is 'tha' crucial. For all we know, it was Sri Lanka that have been robbed - the missing ball could have been a wicket ball. Another 20 overs followed it, if India were good enough, they'd have won.