(Image source: X.com)
Australia opener David Warner is still clearly upset and exasperated with umpire Joel Wilson’s LBW decision that ruled him out in the 14th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka on Monday at Lucknow.
The five-time World Cup champions Australia opened their account by defeating Sri Lanka in by five wickets. Sri Lanka, batting first, was bundled out for a score of 209 in 43.3 overs. While chasing, Australia, at the loss of five wickets, chased down the target in 35.2 overs.
However, Warner, who was batting on 11, on the delivery of left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, got struck on his front oad. The on-field umpire Wilson, raised his finger and Warner immediately went to the third umpire for the DRS.
In the replays on the big screen, it was revealed in the ball tracking that the ball would have just grazed the leg stump, leading to Warner’s dismissal as the decision could not be overturned due to the umpire’s call on impact and wickets parameters.
In the outburst over this decision, Warner now wants the umpires’ records to be displayed on the big screen. Warner explained why he was pretty confident that he was not-out and that the decision made by the on-field umpire was incorrect.
“I just sprayed out loud in frustration pretty much. Normally, when something hits me on the leg on the outside, I know it’s pretty much going down the leg. I asked Joel when I was out there just what happened why did he give it out? He said the ball was swinging back. From my perspective on the replay, it wasn’t,” Warner was quoted as saying by Wisden.
The 36-year-old Warner further demanded that the stats of the umpires, just like when a batter comes in to bat, should be displayed on the big screen.
“Players’ stats go up on the board as you walk out to bat. When they announce the umpires, I’d love to see their stats come up on the board as well. The NRL does it. I think the NFL does it. It’s a great thing for the spectators to see as well,” he added.
Warner is having an average World Cup campaign so far as the southpaw has accumulated 65 runs with an average of 21.66 in the three innings he has played against India, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Warner signed off by saying, “There has to be some accountability. If you get a decision wrong, just accept it and apologise. Obviously, players get dropped for poor performances. It’s never explained to us what goes on with the panel (of umpires) as well. So (stats are) just an indicator.”