By Buford Balony
Ricky Ponting expressed irritation, stating that the third umpire’s dismissal of his appeal for a low catch highlighted that the technology was evidently inadequate for an Ashes series.
Ponting commented that the occurrence during Monday’s fifth day of the first Test at the Gabba constituted an embarrassment to the sport.
When England opener Alastair Cook, who set a record with 235 not out, was on 209, he made a catch towards mid-wicket that Ponting accepted at ankle height.
Umpires Aleem Dar from Pakistan and West Indian Billy Doctrove sent the call to third umpire Tony Hill from New Zealand, who decided it was not out due to unclear video evidence.
With a score of 1-457, England progressed to 1-517 declared, presenting Australia with a target of 297 for a potential victory.
The match ultimately ended in a draw as Australia reached 1-107 when stumps were drawn early, with Ponting still visibly upset during his post-match press conference.
‘I informed the umpires right away that I was quite confident I caught the ball,’ Ponting remarked.
‘That was about all I could do. Once they refer the decision, it’s almost guaranteed what the outcome will be.
‘When I took on the captaincy six or seven years ago, I implored every opposing captain globally to remove these decisions … from the hands of third umpires.
‘I didn’t receive much backing from my fellow captains on that.
‘It frustrates me because I see it as a stain on the game, relying on technology that’s insufficient for accurate rulings.
‘I could have tossed the ball up immediately, and no one would have doubted it.’
When asked whether he intended to seek a captains’ agreement again, Ponting replied that it was too late in the Ashes series with England’s Andrew Strauss.
‘It’s now in the umpires’ hands; they’ve established that standard and it must remain consistent throughout the series,’ he stated.
‘It merely demonstrates that the technology falls short of what is needed for Ashes Test matches.’
Following the decision, Ponting engaged in a vigorous discussion with the umpires.
‘I inquired how they arrived at the not out ruling,’ he said.
‘Several players approached me and confirmed I made the catch. The umpires stated that it wasn’t 100 percent clear, making it difficult for them to declare it out.’
Tensions escalated in the ninth over of Australia’s second innings when aggressive England fast bowler James Anderson had a heated exchange with opener Shane Watson.
After the fifth delivery, the two exchanged words, and Anderson stepped across Watson’s path to retrieve his hat from Doctrove at the end of the over, which prompted the umpire to caution Anderson as both captains became involved in the conversation.
Buford Balony says: I’m tired of Ricky’s complaints and whining. The ball undeniably hit the ground; technology made the correct call and caught you not playing fairly. You’re the one who is below the standard, not the technology.
