That’s Not Quite Plumb

Bansal accounted for five of the seven controversial LBW decisions—two involving India and five involving the visitors—that saw the fixture end inside four days. His partner in crime: Englishman George Sharp.

Just a week earlier, the ‘Dream Team’ had killed Kiwi hopes in Sharjah with five LBW decisions—all, according to Tony Greig, controversial. And a month before, Bansal had sparked a riot in Bangalore by ruling Azharuddin out LBW.

But Bansal outdid himself here. "Don Bradman used to advocate that the LBW rule should be used for balls pitched outside leg stump. Bansal is following him to the last letter," says cricket writer Raju Bharatan.

After Darryl Cullinan was ruled out to Sunil Joshi, when the batsman had stretched himself out in defence, South African coach Bob Woolmer rushed to ICC referee John Reid. "It was embarrassing to see his finger go up," wrote R. Mohan of The Hindu. "It was one of the worst decisions of LBW handed against a visiting batsman in 60 years. Not since Martin Crowe was given out LBW (ironically by the same umpire) in Bangalore last year had a visiting batsman been treated thus." Bansal replaced V.K. Ramaswamy from India on the ICC panel that adjudicates international matches this year amid controversy. The latter was allegedly eased out because of his refusal in calling for a TV replay in a World Cup match involving England. And because the other ICC umpire—S. Venkatarag-havan—too is from the South. Having debuted on the eve of turning 55, Bansal will stand till he reaches 60. Unless the umpires guild does a rethink.

Rajan Bala of The Afternoon Despatch & Courier has a point when he says umpires have to take split-second decisions and deserve a little sympathy. But with eight TV cameras, six experts and millions watching every ball, good umpiring is like justice. Not only should it be good—it has to be seen to be good.