Imagine an umpire walking out to the midst of a World Cup or Test match while being shown his or her career statistics on correct and incorrect decisions. Perhaps very specific statistics regarding the categories of dismissals they are excellent at judging versus those they are not, such as LBWs. Nonetheless, if David Warner had his way, this could become a trend. For, a day after he left the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow in a very enraged state, slamming his bat on the field, and not holding back his emotions, the veteran opener has demanded more accountability from match officials in light of a few decisions that have gone against Australia in this tournament thus far.
“I think in terms of what I’d like to see, this probably won’t get across but players’ stats go up on the board as you walk out to bat. When they announce the umpires and they come up on the screen. I’d love to see their stats come up on the board as well. Because we see that in National Rugby League (NRL). I know this is a world game but NRL shows those stats. I think the NFL shows those stats. I think it’s a great thing for the spectators to see that as well,” said Warner.
“I think over a period of time. You know, obviously players get dropped for poor performances. It’s never explained to us about how what goes on with the panel as well. So, it’s just an indicator.”
“But it’s just little things that show the spectator. It’s not easy. So, you know, you can explain where it’s not easy, why it’s not easy. And then when good decisions are made. And they can explain it. So, I just think it’s something that could be explored,” he added.
Warner was adjudged leg before wicket by field umpire Joel Wilson after a delivery from left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madhushanka struck him on the pad very near to his leg-stump. Warner’s rather irate reaction in the middle was due to the fact that he had just been struck by a ball that had sufficiently straightened to strike his leg stump. And Warner made it abundantly obvious that his anger was directed more toward technology than umpire Wilson.
“The technology provides information. From my perspective it’s there to use probably I reckon for the howler not so much for you know, with lbw’s these days if you are given out you probably don’t really stand a chance. I asked Joel when I was out there just what happened like why did he give it out? He said the ball was swinging back. So, you know, to his credit, if he thinks that then that’s why he’s given that decision. But then when you see the replay of how it sorts of unfolded you get a little bit annoyed. So that’s out of our control. There’s a lot to say,” Warner explained.
“I just sprayed out loud in frustration pretty much not just myself but it kept low and normally when something hits me on the leg on the outside, I know it’s pretty much going down leg so, you know he said it was swinging back. And from my perspective on the replay, it wasn’t.”
