Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed controversially during the test match against Australia at Melbourne test.
Rizwan’s Controversial 2nd Test dismissal
During the 317-run chase, Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed by Pat Cummins for 35 runs in the second test match of Pakistan’s Australia tour 2023. The on-field umpire initially rejected appeals for a catch behind by the Australian skipper against Rizwan, but the decision was overturned through the Decision Review System.
There was displeasure within Pakistan’s camp as there was a spike in the ‘Snickometer’ when the ball was just above Rizwan’s wrist. Following the Test match at Melbourne, Pakistan Cricket Board head Zaka Ashraf reportedly had a discussion with the team director Mohammed Hafeez.
Hafeez showed his concerns about the umpiring decisions and technology usage during the match. He blamed the regulations governing cricket and the use of technology which are approved by the ICC Executive Board for Pakistan’s loss in the second test.
While speaking at the post-match conference Hafeez spoke about the umpiring and the technology challenges their side faced in the match.
“If you look at the entire game, there were very inconsistent decisions by the umpires. We play this beautiful game of cricket with natural instinct, and we all know the basics of the game.”
“However, at times, it feels like the focus is more on technology than on the actual cricket being played. I believe this is an area that needs to be addressed,” he asserted.
He highlighted the importance of clarity and certainty in the sport but questioned the value of technology which it introduces doubt and confusion.
“I am not against technology in the game. But if it brings doubt and confusion, it is not acceptable. Some decisions were not understandable. The ball hitting the stumps is always out. I will never understand why there is an umpire’s call,” he had stated.
The Pakistan team director also opened up about his conversation with Rizwan after the game, where the wicketkeeper-batsman insisted that the ball did not touch his gloves and stressed the need for evidence to overturn the on-field Umpire’s decision.
After winning the toss in the second test, Pakistan chose to bowl where they concluded the first day with bagging 3 wickets for 187 runs.
However, Australia concluded their innings with 318 runs in their first innings. Despite an impressive performance in the morning session, where Pakistan took seven wickets to dismiss Australia before lunch.
The extras turned out to be the second-highest contributor to Australia’s runs on the second day of the Test match.
Pakistan lost all 10 wickets on scoring 264 runs in their first innings. Australia started their second innings with 54 runs lead and scored 262 runs where Mitchell Marsh scored 96 runs, Alex Carey and Steven Smith smashed half-centuries.
With a trail of 316 runs, Pakistan started their second innings where Shan Masood and Agha Salman smashed half-centuries. By the end, Pakistan scored 237 runs and lost the match by 79 runs.
Australia and Pakistan will be playing their third Test match starting on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
