Umpiring Controversies

Kieron Pollard Hit Wicket Debate — 2012

2012West Indies vs AustraliaODI Series1 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

Kieron Pollard was given out hit wicket in a controversial decision where it was unclear whether his bat or body dislodged the bails.

What Happened

Kieron Pollard was given out hit wicket during a match between West Indies and Australia, but the dismissal was contentious. The ball had been played and Pollard turned to complete a run, but his bat or body appeared to dislodge a bail.

The question was whether the bails were dislodged during the act of playing the shot or in the normal course of running. Under the Laws, a batsman can only be given out hit wicket if the stumps are broken while playing a shot or setting off for a first run.

The third umpire reviewed the footage but the exact moment of bail dislodgement was difficult to determine. The decision was ultimately given out, but Pollard and the West Indian team felt it was harsh.

Hit wicket dismissals are relatively rare in international cricket and often involve fine margins. The Laws governing them are more nuanced than most fans realize, and the distinction between "during the shot" and "after the shot" can be impossible to determine in real time.

⚖️ The Verdict

Given out. The fine margins of hit wicket law interpretation made the decision contentious but ultimately the umpire's judgment stood.

Tags

#pollard#hit wicket#unusual dismissal#west indies

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