Chris Green’s afternoon at the WACA got stranger by the minute. First the New South Wales all-rounder was given caught behind, then – after a good couple of minutes’ chat between the umpires – he was waved back. Eight runs later he nicked a pull to second slip and was on his way for good, but by then a code-of-conduct breach was already heading his way.
The moment in question arrived late on day three of the Sheffield Shield fixture against Western Australia. Gerard Abood, standing at the bowler’s end, raised the finger when Green ducked a bouncer and appeared to brush it. Green, shaking his head, stayed put. After a long look across the pitch and a walk towards square leg, Abood spoke with partner Ben Treloar; eventually the dismissal was scrubbed.
Cricket Australia has since backed the decision-making process, while accepting it dragged on too long. A spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo:
“Under CA playing conditions clause 31.6, umpires are permitted to consult the other umpire to clarify points of fact so they can arrive at the correct decision… Whilst CA doesn’t encourage this in the ordinary course, there are rare occasions where it is appropriate for umpires to clarify points of fact so they can arrive at the correct decision.”
The same spokesperson added:
“CA acknowledge that the correct decision was ultimately made in this case, but would have preferred this to have occurred more promptly.”
Shield matches are live-streamed, yet only the final has a third umpire; on-field officials cannot use replays. CA were keen to stress that television pictures played no part:
“It should be noted that under no circumstances did the batter’s actions contribute to the umpire reviewing or overturning the decision and the umpire did not see a replay before the decision was reversed.”
Confusion deepened when Abood seemed to raise his finger a second time. According to CA:
“Further, the umpire did not give Green out twice. His second signal of out was to clarify the original decision to a participating player.”
What did count against Green was his visible frustration – the wave of the bat and a few choice words – while the deliberations took place. As the spokesperson confirmed:
“CA also wishes to advise that Chris Green was issued a code of conduct breach for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match.”
The sanction is expected to be a low-level fine; Green has not commented publicly.
Former Test umpire Simon Taufel, speaking on local radio, called the incident “messy but ultimately correct”, adding that the Laws allow umpires to change a decision “right up until the next ball is bowled”.
For New South Wales, the bigger issue was the scoreboard. They slipped behind in Perth, and Green’s eventual dismissal – toe-ending a leg-side pull – left them fighting to keep the match alive. Small comfort, perhaps, that this one will end up on umpiring training videos for years to come.
