Expertise woes: Stokes’ overstepping exposes Ashes drawback

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — There was one obvious mis-step from Ben Stokes which price England a wicket on the second morning of the Ashes, giving Australian opener David Warner a reprieve when he was on 17.

It quickly emerged that Stokes, bowling his first over in a take a look at match since March, had additionally overstepped the crease on his earlier three deliveries and never been known as for a no-ball by the umpires.

Later nonetheless, Australia’s Ashes broadcaster Channel 7 revealed Stokes had overstepped the entrance crease 14 instances in Thursdays’ opening session and had solely been known as twice for a no-ball.

The missed alternative on Warner was an issue for Stokes and England. The amended determination: no ball. Warner acquired to play on. One run was added to the entire — within the sundries column — and an additional supply needed to be bowled within the over.

However it uncovered an even bigger drawback for the match officers.

Cricket Australia mentioned a expertise drawback on the Gabba meant that the third umpire, Paul Wilson, couldn’t evaluate TV replays of each supply to test if bowlers had been over-stepping the crease, leaving it to the on-field umpires to make the calls.

Ex-Australia take a look at captain Ricky Ponting described it as “pathetic officiating” in the course of the match commentary.

The Worldwide Cricket Council is liable for the implementation of that system that permits the TV official to test for no-balls.

Earlier than a change within the guidelines final yr, it was customary follow for on-field umpires to tell bowlers after they had been near over-stepping and to sign a no-ball.

England captain Joe Root, chatting with Fox Cricket throughout a break in play, mentioned the lacking probability towards Warner was “irritating.”

“The actual fact we’re creating a superb variety of possibilities is actually pleasing,” he mentioned. “We’ve acquired to remain assured … preserve trusting what we’re doing and believing we’ll get the rewards.”

England was bowled out for 147 on day one of many sequence Wednesday, a tally the Australians handed with the lack of one wicket.

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