Smith calls for ‘soft signal’ to be scrapped

Australia captain Steve Smith has called on the ICC to do away with the ‘soft signal’ when on-field umpires refer a catch for the third umpire to adjudicate.
Smith was speaking after a critical decision went against his team as they lost the third ODI against spare England in Sydney to surrender the five-match series with two games still to.
ALSO READ: Morgan: Our best win as a group to date
Chasing a target of 303, the Aussies were 181/3 in the 33rd over when England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler confidently claimed a catch off the bat of Smith and the bowling of fast bowler Mark Wood.
The umpires conferred and then sent the decision upstairs, making a soft signal of out.
After several replays showing nothing conclusive to suggest that catch was taken cleanly, the third umpire ruled that there was not enough evidence to overturn the on-field decision with Smith visibly upset as he was leaving the field.
The Australia skipper said after the game: “I’m not sure I’m a big fan of the ruling with the soft signal. That’s obviously the ruling at the moment and it’s hard to overturn anything.
“We’ve seen a few this summer that have been pretty similar and if the fielder goes up and actually celebrates they usually get given out and if you’re a bit apprehensive of what’s happened they normally get given not out.
“It’s hard for them to overturn the decision. I’d actually like for the third umpire to have to make the decision whether it’s out or not. Just them having to do it, if that makes sense.”
Buttler was adamant that he had taken the catch, insisting that he got his gloves between the ground and the ball.
The gloveman said: “I was pretty sure it was out. I think any wicketkeeper would tell you, you know if you get your fingers underneath it.
“It always looks a bit either way on TV but for me it was out.”
Latest
-
News
Jack Leach weary but happy after long wait for England return in Sri Lanka
The left-arm spinner claimed five for 122 as the tourists closed in on victory in the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: Frantic finale ahead as England chase down slim target
Jos Buttler’s stumping was a crucial moment.
-
News
England wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
-
News
England chasing 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Jack Leach’s five wickets ended the home side’s resistance.
-
News
Angelo Mathews half-century holds up England’s bid for first Test victory
Sri Lanka were 302 for seven at tea for a lead of 16 runs.
-
News
Sri Lanka close in on England’s lead behind century from Lahiru Thirimanne
Sri Lanka trail by 44 at lunch on day three of the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
Jack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts’ second innings.
-
News
Joe Root’s double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
England captain Joe Root reaches fine double century before Sri Lanka fight back
Root was the last man out for England after scoring 228 to record a fourth double ton for his country.