An Aussie walks
I think this post may shatter a few Aussie Cricketer stereotypes. In my club game over the weekend, I walked after being given not out. It was the first time I've done this in a competitive game in 22 years of playing cricket. I don't know what came over me........must be getting soft in my old age, or maybe Gilly's rubbing off on me..
5 comments:
More details please.
How many had you scored and what was the state of the match?
How had the umpire got it wrong and how did he react?
I have done that once and the incoming batsman went barmy at me. And that was in England! I dread to think what you're Aussie team mates must have said to you!
Well, I was opening the batting. We were chasing a modest target of 130. I'd made a well constructed two before getting a leg glance a little too fine and the keeper took it quite comfortably. I have no idea what the umpire's reaction was as I didn't bother turning around once I'd made the decision to take my leave. Later, while doing my stint as square leg umpire I was thanked by the opposing captain. Yes most of my team mates were mortified, but in a happy ending we made the runs comfortably.
I think I am going the other way. The first time in my career when I didn't walk was a few seasons ago. Someone called me something uncalled-for as I walked in (at number 11, obviously) with about 12 overs to go and I got a thin edge to the keeper whilst being out of my ground on my fifth ball. The entire team went up, including the keeper, who forgot to stump me, and I got back into my ground before he realised that the umpire wasn't giving the catch.
On any other occasion I would have walked, but because I took umbrage to the warmth of my reception, I didn't. We proceeded to bat out the overs, with the captain providing a commentary as strong as the welcoming committee's phrase in the first place.
It made me late for a dinner, but it felt like a great moral victory, and I was very pleased with myself. I seem to be hardening in my old age.
I was at square leg umpiring during Dave's dismissal. It was obvious to me and everyone else that it was out except for the 104 year old umpire at the other end who didn't hear a thing. I'm not sure if old Wal knew the ball had been bowled.
Hats off to Dave for walking. I had a similar instance but it was in a semi. It was just too bad a call for me not to walk. It was an extremely blatant edge with another incompetent umpire. "Texas Ranger!" was the sledge I got from team mates... Never again.
- Pat
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