We wouldn’t need umpires if players walked off, says Clarke

Zee Media Bureau

Nottingham: While England bowler Stuart Broad is being criticised for playing against the spirit of the game across the world, Australian skipper Michael Clarke said on Saturday that cricket wouldn’t need umpires if every batsman walked off the field after nicking the ball. The Aussie skipper gave the statement to a sports channel after the end of Day 4. Clarke’s statement was a reaction to the controversy that took place on Day 3 of the 1st Test between England and Australia where Stuart Broad clearly edged a delivery from debutant Ashton Agar that clipped Brad Haddin’s gloves and went straight to Clarke at first slip. The Aussies went jubilant but umpire Aleem Dar stood unmoved and even Broad didn’t walk off the field. Australia were left in a helpless situation as they had no reviews left. Former West Indies bowler Michael Holding even called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ban Broad for the second Ashes Test following his refusal to walk after being caught out at first slip. Another interesting dismissal took place on Day 4 when Clarke himself was declared out by the third umpire after Aleem Dar wasn’t convinced whether the ball carried to the keeper. But once the umpire gave his verdict, Clarke immediately reviewed the decision, and the Hot Spot showed a faint edge after which Clarke had to leave the field. When asked about his own dismissal, the right-handed batsmen said that he didn’t think he had hit it which is why he went for the review. Asked about his team’s chances on Day 5, Clarke said that with Haddin and Agar at the crease, he is confident that Australia can win the first Test. Chasing 311 to win, Australia were 174/6 at the end of Day 4, trailing by 137 runs with four wickets in hand.