Cricket world baffled after another Aussie umpire howler: 'Appalling'
Australia has once again copped a shocking call with an lbw appeal after being left with no reviews to overturn a plumb decision against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka took control of the match on Day 3 as they batted through the day for the loss of just four wickets.
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Kusal Mendis fell early for 85 but from there Dinesh Chandimal shared in an 83-run partnership with Angelo Mathews (52) and a 137-run stand with debutant Kaminu Mendis (61).
Australia were left ruing their mistakes as Alex Carey and missed three stumping chances, while they ran out of reviews early and cost themselves two wickets in the process, including Chandimal on 31.
And the lack of reviews came back to haunt them when a Mitchell Swepson delivery caught Mendis right in front on Day 4.
However, umpire Kumar Dharmasena didn't appear interested in the appeal.
Replays disagreed with Dharmasena as it showed the ball was clearly collecting leg stump as it turned back into middle.
Stranded with no reviews, the Aussie team were left to accept the decision.
"Well, interesting," the commentator said after watching the replay.
The cricket world was left just as stunned that another umpiring decision went against the Aussies.
The lack of reviews bites Australia again.
Swepson the unlucky bowler this time #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/1JjmXL2R8V— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 11, 2022
There's another incorrect Dharmasena decision that Australia could not challenge because they had burned through all of their reviews. #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/hdP5tRs73Q
— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) July 11, 2022
One that doesn't turn and goes straight on as the batter played across the line with head falling over towards offside and was dead plumb but how can umpire not give that out ? Unbelievable.
— Mani (@Manisays56) July 11, 2022
I get that the official account has to remain neutral but this shouldnt be called out as an Error on the Australian team for burning through their reviews, this right here is about as plum as you can get for LBW. The fact the umpire didnt even consider it is appaling
— millet (@afmoller) July 11, 2022
Oh dear…
Mitchell Swepson just trapped Dinesh Chandimal plumb in front, but the Australians don’t have any reviews left.
Meanwhile, another incorrect decision from umpire Kumar Dharmasena. I don’t like criticising umpires, but this really hasn’t been his best series.#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/F2z5uZ20L7— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) July 11, 2022
Swepson has had the worst luck. Dropped catches, plumb lbws not given, he could have had 20 test wickets by now
— Just An Average Grade Cricketer (@avegradecricket) July 11, 2022
How is that not given? That’s the definition of LBW!! #salmon
— Jacob Landsmeer (@jlandsme_93) July 11, 2022
Steve Smith breaks long century search
While the match hasn't gone to plan for the Aussies so far, Steve Smith produced a century in the first innings to break a long stretch.
Smith ended an 18-month stretch without a Test century on the opening day in Galle, sharing in a 134-run stand with fellow centurion Marnus Labuschagne.
The former Australia captain was unbeaten on 145 in what was his first Test hundred since January 2021.
The milestone was even more special for Smith, whose 28th Test ton puts him one ahead of Indian rival Virat Kohli.
It also puts Smith ahead of South African great Graham Smith and Australian legend Allan Border, while also moving him ahead of Mark Waugh (8029 runs) into sixth-place on Australia’s leading Test run-scorers of all time.
with AAP
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