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Opinion

When are the umpires going to take control of the game?

Roar Rookie
21st January, 2021
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Roar Rookie
21st January, 2021
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1225 Reads

First up, congratulations to both sides for an absolutely wonderful Test Series.

It received a tremendous amount of coverage over here in the locked-down UK and not just because Australia came second.

The only complaint I have about it is my complete frustration with the way the game is umpired nowadays. At every Test match we now have four umpires and a match referee and yet the same issues come up time and time again. Instead of talking about the magnificent cricket being played we still have far too much talk about sledging, time-wasting and excessive short-pitched bowling.

All these issues could be resolved simply if the umpires actually do some umpiring.

Firstly, sledging. I umpired for four years in the Brisbane Grade Competition a few years ago and one of the first things I was taught by my vastly more experienced colleagues was when the chatter ceased to be funny, it’s our job to put a stop to it. Tim Paine should have been told to shut up and get on with the game about ten seconds into his third Test rant instead of being allowed to carry on.

He was quite clearly wound up and either the on-field umpires or those off the field should have been aware that it was only heading one way. Also, all those fielding around the bat should be told (not asked) that as soon as the bowler starts his run-up, shut up. It’s not hard.

Secondly, time-wasting. Again, I was told that a fast game will always be a good game. If the players are getting on with it, they are far less inclined to chatter and chirp. How many times do we see now that after one of the ridiculously long drinks breaks they have? .They did it two overs after drinks the other day. The umpires simply have told the 12th man thanks but no thanks, see you in an hour.

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There are more than enough stoppages in a days play without adding to them. Also, it’s totally ridiculous for the captain and bowler to insist on a team talk at the start of every over. The umpires should be all over that and tell them to get on with the game. Instead, the game grinds to a halt which then gives the chatterboxes time to start their nonsense.

Thirdly, short-pitched bowling. I could not believe how poorly the Australians bowled against the Indian lower order. It was quite clear that a couple of them had no idea, yet the supposed best bowling attack in the world continually bowled short to them. It was terrible cricket but the umpires didn’t help by letting it happen. Whatever happened to a good fast yorker to 9, 10, Jack?

The great fast bowlers of the past must have despaired watching it. Also, whatever happened to calling a wide if the ball sails over the batsman’s head? How is the batsman is expected to play the ball when it sails three feet over your head?

Test match umpires today have never had it easier. DRS has made it much easier. They don’t even have to call front-foot no-balls anymore, that’s done from the umpire’s box. Surely it’s not asking too much of them to keep a reasonable standard of behaviour on the field and to keep the game moving?> That could only benefit us all in the end.

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