‘Shocking decision’ – Waqar Younis tears apart third umpire for upholding Saud Shakeel’s dismissal
England clinched the second Test by 26 runs and won the series 2-0.
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Dec 12, 2022 4:38 pm
Waqar Younis tears apart third umpire for upholding Saud Shakeel’s dismissal (Image Source: Twitter)
England pulled off a record win against Pakistan in the second Test that kicked off on December 9, Friday, as they crushed Babar Azam and his men by 26 runs and eventually won the series with a match to go. However, Day 4 of the historic Test was filled with controversy and it was about Saud Shakeel’s wicket.
To add more, Shakeel made an impressive 90-run contribution to the Pakistani team who were chasing a mighty target of 355. However, when Pakistan were reeling at 291/6, Mark Wood bowled a short-length leg-side delivery and wicketkeeper Ollie Pope was quick enough to catch the ball that came off Shakeel’s bat.
However, the decision was referred to the third umpire and it looked like the ball was grounded when Pope took the catch. Much to the surprise of the Pakistani fans, the batter was given out and eventually, Shakeel had to make his way back to the dressing room after putting on a great-hearted fight.
Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan cricketer, took cognizance of the same and took to Twitter to express his displeasure over the umpire’s decision. Claiming that Pope’s fingers were pointing downwards, Younis claimed that it was not a legitimate dismissal and was rather shocking to witness the same. “Wonder which finger Joel Wilson (Tv umpire) saw under the ball. Fingers were pointing downward when ball hit the turf #ShockingDecision #ENGvPAK #Multan,” Younis tweeted when commenting on Shakeel’s dismissal.
Fantastic to be a part of both the games: Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes, the captain of the Three Lions team, opened up on the win and said that they tried to take a look at the wicket and play accordingly right throughout the game. Congratulating Abrar Ahmed, the Pakistani spinner, for picking up a seven-for on his debut, Stokes said that his team tried to play with an attacking intent against him as well.
“Obviously different conditions and differently played games but fantastic to be a part of both the games. We had a look at the wicket and it was tricky against slow bowling, but as the game progressed the cracks opened up and our seamers came into the game. The way in which Jimmy and Robbo bowled in the series and our spinners as well, they are going to deliver more often that not (referring to him not bowling,” Stokes was quoted as saying after the match.
“Amazing debut for Abrar and many congratulations to him. He took 7 wickets but we were still scoring runs against him. I just look around and look at my options and see who gives me the best opportunity to pick wickets,” said the English captain further.
