Aleem Dar’s all-time umpiring howler late on day three of the first Test may have cost Australia a chance to go 1-0 up in the Ashes series.
Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle has seen bigger shockers than Dar’s inexplicable decision to give a nicking Stuart Broad not out with the match on a knife’s edge at Trent Bridge.
But they hardly came at such a pivotal moment: “Probably in the backyard, maybe off my brother,” said Siddle, when asked if he’d seen a more obvious nick.
The Australians were in trouble anyway, but one of the worst decisions in recent memory brought the fighting tourists to their knees.
They’ll likely need to break fourth-innings records to take a series lead to Lord’s.
When Broad clearly edged Ashton Agar (2-82) through the gloves of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and into the safe hands of Michael Clarke at first slip in the 118th over, England were six down and leading by 230.
At stumps on day three, Ian Bell (95no) and Broad (47no) had their century partnership up and now have the chance to drive their 261-run lead out of Australia’s reach when play resumes on Saturday at 6-326.
Dar was given a spray by filthy Australia captain Clarke at the time and copped a similar baking from commentators at the ground and fans and ex-cricketers on Twitter.
Australia had already foolishly used up the last of their DRS challenges, but it was still unbelievable that, in the circumstances, Dar didn’t himself double check the decision with the third umpire.
Broad was under the spotlight for his stance not to walk, but received overwhelming support from ex-players and teammate Kevin Pietersen (65).
“We play hard. We play fair and each individual has the responsibility and makes the judgement if he will wait for the umpire’s decision,” Pietersen said in a rare appearance in front of the media.
“Aleem Dar … has been rated one of the best umpires in world cricket over the last few years. Wait and respect his decision.”
Siddle also stood up for Broad.
“How many people have ever walked?”
On the very next over Australia’s frustrations were compounded when Haddin dropped Bell from Siddle’s bowling, with the Victorian quick slashing his arms in frustration.
Siddle said his side handled their emotions well.
“It happens. It’s the umpires decision and you just take it and that’s what we did,” he said.
“We just went about it. You finish the over and go through to the next over. If you watched out there, there wasn’t a big deal made of it. We got stuck in and just kept working to get the wicket.”
England chased 284 in the fourth innings to beat New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 2004 and, in all likelihood, Australia will have to better that record effort to take an Ashes lead.
When Bell and Broad came together, Australia were in control – England six down and leading by just 153.
However, despite the match-turning partnership, Siddle believes Australia can bat their way to victory on a wicket that’s slow but doesn’t appear to be breaking up.
“The first hour is going to be the big key for us,” Siddle said.
“If we can crack it open early, and restrict that score .. and go about our business.”
DAY THREE OF THE FIRST ASHES TEST BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND
SCORE: England 215 and 6-326, Australia 280
MAN OF THE MOMENT: ALEEM DAR: The normally reliable umpire thrust himself into the spotlight late on day three with a horrendous decision, missing a clear edge by England’s Stuart Broad (47 not out) off spinner Ashton Agar. A sharp catch was claimed by Australian captain Michael Clarke at first slip, but both Dar and Broad remained unmoved. Broad was on 37 at the time, and England added a further 31 runs as they pushed their lead to 261 – and nearly out of Australia’s reach.KEY MOMENT: Australia’s decision to burn their final challenge on a not out lbw claim against Jonny Bairstow off the bowling of James Pattinson was deeply regrettable. Replays confirmed that the ball would miss leg stump by some distance. So while Dar’s decision was inexcusable, the only reason it is a howler is because Australia had foolishly exhausted their reviews.
STAT OF THE DAY: 284 is the highest ever total successfully chased at Trent Bridge, a challenge almost certainly facing Australia on days four and five. This Test has seen plenty of records tumble – a trend that will most likely need to continue for Australia to take a 1-0 series lead.
SUMMARY: Australia hit the jackpot early, removing both overnight batsmen Kevin Pietersen (64) and Alastair Cook (50) shortly after the opening hour to effectively make the score 4-66. Ian Bell (95 not out) combined with Jonny Bairstow (15) and Matt Prior (31) to get England out of trouble. But it was the unbeaten, 108-run partnership between Bell and the very fortunate Stuart Broad which has England well and truly holding all the cards.
QUOTE: “I don’t know, probably in the backyard maybe off my brother,” said Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle when asked whether he’d seen a bigger edge not given out.
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