neville cardus
International Debutant
I seem to be the only one in my circle of friends who's following the Under-19 World Cup, but in retrospect I'd rather have watched something else today. It'll take some gargling to lave the sour taste from my mouth.
About ten minutes ago, with three runs needed off the final over, Zimbabwe had a wicket in hand, and were looking good for the win. Keemo Paul ran in -- but not to bowl; he didn't even enter his delivery stride. Instead he trotted on through the crease, snapped off a bail and launched an appeal.
There had been no prior warning, and Richard Ngarava had been taking no chances with his backing up. This was a shot in the dark. The third umpire found that his bat was on the line when the wicket was broken (although a missing frame might have shown otherwise), and an excellent game of cricket ended in the sheerest ignominy.
The Caribbean youngsters made a sorry spectacle even sorrier with their frenzied celebrations. At least their coach had the decency to look embarrassed.
About ten minutes ago, with three runs needed off the final over, Zimbabwe had a wicket in hand, and were looking good for the win. Keemo Paul ran in -- but not to bowl; he didn't even enter his delivery stride. Instead he trotted on through the crease, snapped off a bail and launched an appeal.
There had been no prior warning, and Richard Ngarava had been taking no chances with his backing up. This was a shot in the dark. The third umpire found that his bat was on the line when the wicket was broken (although a missing frame might have shown otherwise), and an excellent game of cricket ended in the sheerest ignominy.
The Caribbean youngsters made a sorry spectacle even sorrier with their frenzied celebrations. At least their coach had the decency to look embarrassed.