During Australia’s second T20I match against West Indies, something strange happened. The home team didn’t get a wicket because nobody asked for it, and umpire Gerard Abood said it wasn’t out.
In the 19th over of the game, West Indies player Alzarri Joseph hit the ball and started running. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh got the ball and threw it to Spencer Johnson, who took off the bails, but nobody asked for a wicket.
On the big screen, it looked like the batter didn’t make it to the safe spot, and the Australians started celebrating. But then Abood said, “Wait, wait, wait, hold on. Nobody asked for it.”
Australian player Tim David, who was near the boundary rope, told Abood, “I asked for it, Gerard, I really did. This is silly. I asked for it from deep point, I promise.” David Warner said, “The umpire made a mistake.” Abood replied, “This is ridiculous. Guys, let’s keep playing.”
Australia ended up winning the match by 34 runs and led the series 2-0.
According to Law 31.1: “An umpire shouldn’t declare a batter out unless someone asks for it.”
But Law 31.3 says the Australians could have asked for the wicket after watching the replays.
“To ask for a wicket, it has to be before the bowler starts their run-up.”
Glenn Maxwell said after the game, “The umpire thought nobody asked, but some of us did. We didn’t all shout, but we thought it was close and a few of us raised our hands. We stopped, thinking it would go to the third umpire, and everyone was watching the big screen, but the batter had already started leaving. It was confusing, but luckily it didn’t change the game. It’s just one of those strange cricket rules. We should probably shout louder when we want a wicket.”