Another poor decision by the umpires in favor of England. Marnus Labuschagne given out LBW despite hawkeye showing that the ball is just touching the bails. Australia in some trouble at 24/3, but Steve Smith is still out there. They are leading by 220 and I guess another 130 runs would be enough to get a 2-1 lead in favor of Australia. On the other hand, if England could get Australia out for 100 or below, then they may be having a real chance.
I think umpires will not be able to save England this time around. We have full fifth day left and England have only 8 wickets in hand. If Aussies can take 2 or more wickets in the first session of the last day, they can easily seal this match in their favor.
The umpires may or maynot be able to save England this time around (there is still a chance). But I would like them to play honest cricket rather than engaging in boorish behaviour. In particular, I am not pleased with the following points:
1. Even during this test match, some of the close decisions went in favor of England. One example is the Marnus Labuschagne dismissal.
2. Yesterday, English bowlers were deliberately trying to slow down the over rate. They were going at 10 overs per hour, which is at least 2-3 overs less than the average. This sort of cowardice may not help them to save the match. But I guess the ICC will be OK with it, as the Brits are their blue eyed boys. Had any other team done this, then the captain should have got a 3 match ban.
3. English audience proved again and again that they are subhuman filth. They were booing Steve Smith throughout the series. Smith made a mistake, admitted it and in the end silently endured the very harsh punishment that was handed to him without any complaints. I can still understand these uncivilized barbarians booing him, when he goes out to bat. But booing him after he returned to the pavillion after scoring 211? That was something only the Brits are capable of doing.
any word? 