CA ask ICC to explain Khawaja decision

Australia

Cricket365
August 2, 2013

Cricket Australia have appealed to the ICC to find out and explain how Usman Khawaja's caught-behind dismissal was not overturned by the third umpire on day one of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

The batsman was given out by Tony Hill on the field, but Khawaja reviewed it. Evidence of a nick was nowhere to be found, but third umpire Kumar Dharmasena upheld the out call, much to everyone's surprise, and Aussie Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's outrage.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement: "Cricket Australia has sought an explanation from the ICC on the dismissal of Usman Khawaja. In our view, the on-field decision and referred decision using DRS were both incorrect.

"CA remains a strong supporter of DRS and believes it is important that cricket continues to improve and build confidence in the DRS.

"We understand and accept that from time to time mistakes can be made, however in this instance, on behalf of the player, the team and all cricket fans, we feel duty bound to seek further explanation as to how this decision was arrived at."

Chris Rogers, who was at the other end during the decision, said he and even the England players assumed the decision would be overturned once they saw the replays, and he was shocked when it wasn't.

Rogers, who made 84, said: "He said he didn't hit it and I said he didn't hit it. That was about it. I was up the other end. Even in real time I didn't think he hit it; I didn't think he was anywhere near it.

"The umpire must have had a different view on it. I thought it was not out and that's why we reviewed it. From what we saw on the replays I think even the England guys had given up hope of it being out. It was disappointing and another question-mark.

"It's a weird thing because it's people's careers on the line as well, so you want these decisions to be right. I felt for him, but it's been happening so we've just got to get on with it and not worry about that and try to have a good day."