Yahoo Finance 'Couldn't believe it': Umpire's bold decision stuns commentators
Umpire Donovan Koch made a rare move in the Marsh Cup that amounted to a batsman's dream - he reversed his own wrong call.
During the match between South Australia and Western Australia on Tuesday, Redbacks spinner Peter Hatzoglou launched into a massive appeal against WA batsman Sam Whiteman, who he thought he had caught behind.
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Up went Koch's finger to the disbelief of Whiteman, who, as commentators pointed out, had missed the ball by a mile.
Fortunately for Whiteman, Koch was quick to correct his own error, undoubtedly dampening the spirits of Hatzoglou in the process.
The S.A. spinner had started celebrating what he believed was his first wicket at List A level - but it was not to be, with Whiteman staying at the crease.
Koch's quick move to reverse his own decision was met with an amused response from Fox Cricket commentators Stuart Clark and Brett Lee.
“He knows he’s got it wrong and he’s changed his decision,” Clark said.
“Well, we couldn’t believe it. He’s fired him and said, ‘I’ve got it wrong'," Brett Lee replied.
“He’s missed that by a mile.”
Fortunately for the umpire, Clark saw the funny side of his predicament.
“I give him complete respect for that because usually you just give them out and panic about it," he said.
Peter Hatzoglou had his first List-A wicket for South Australia for about 10 seconds before the umpire reversed his decision. Sam Whiteman missed that by a fair way. Correct decision in the end, but can't say I've seen that before. #MarshCup
— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) March 2, 2021
Warner to return for NSW, Smith still out
Superstar David Warner will return in Thursday's one-dayer between NSW and South Australia at Adelaide Oval.
Warner suffered a groin strain approximately three months ago during an ODI, which prevented him from taking part in the opening half of Australia's four-Test series against India.
The 34-year-old played the SCG and Gabba Tests, but was restricted by the painful injury that will require ongoing treatment for six to nine months.
The opener took a break after the final Test, sitting out two Sheffield Shield games plus a one-day clash as he concentrated on rehab.
Steve Smith won't fly out with NSW's squad on Wednesday as he continues to manage an arm injury, but Warner has been cleared to play under the captaincy of Pat Cummins on Thursday.
"We all know Davey's quality as a player in all formats and it's great to see him back for the Blues," NSW coach Phil Jaques said.
"He has worked really hard on his rehab and has been great around the group when he's been at training.
"It will be fantastic to have his experience around the team over the coming weeks."
Warner, Smith and other players require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia to take part in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), which is slated to start in April and overlap with the end of Australia's domestic season.
CA routinely provides NOCs for the IPL, which falls during players' leave period, unless they are worried about an injury.
With AAP
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