Sportinbet – Cricket
January 8, 2009 11:00 am Cricketwww.sportingbet.com.au – New Zealand’s Daniel Flynn can claim the dubious honour of being the first person given out following an appeal to the third umpire.
The rule, which was introduced in July when Sri Lanka hosted India, has lain dormant until the Black Caps match against the West Indies.
Flynn was on ninety five runs, agonizingly close to his maiden test century when he was given not out following an LBW appeal.
Captain Chris Gayle promptly signaled to the third umpire. Rudy Koertzen, who, following a review of the ball in question gave Flynn his marching orders.
The new rule is not all a one way street though.
A batsman has the right to appeal a dubious decision in the event that he is given out.
There are limits to the new rule however with either side only allowed three incorrect appeal over the course of an innings before they lose the right to appeal.
Gayle was sympathetic toward Flynn for missing out on what would have been a fairytale innings after Captain Daniel Vettori’s show of faith in elevating him up the order to number three.
Flynn was disappointed but not overly phased at the decision claiming that there is no arguing with today’s technology.
Many sports have introduced the controversial third umpire but cricket is just a little bit trickier.
It is essentially exposing umpires to harsh criticism over a decision and taking power out of their hands.
If an appeal is upheld it is as good as openly saying that an umpire is wrong and hence detrimental to his credibility.
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