Pakistan seeth over Hot Spot decisionsFirdose Moonda
February 2, 2013
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Pakistan were left privately seething as four incidents involving Hot Spot technology went against them during a mauling by South Africa in the first Test at the Wanderers.
Although none of the match participants or team administrators would comment on the technology, the Pakistan manager and coach were seen in animated discussion with the third umpire after the day’s play. Dav Whatmore later told the media: “Any comments will be done in the right channels.”
Whatmore was visibly upset after Misbah-ul-Haq was given out on review in the morning session. Jacques Kallis appealed for a catch at the wicket which was turned down on-field but South Africa referred. The camera showed only a faint mark which disappeared quickly and the decision was then overturned by the TV umpire Steve Davis. Misbah also showed his annoyance as he walked off.
Pakistan’s anger was heightened because a similar decision against the South Africa batsman, Faf du Plessis, was upheld as ‘not out’ yesterday. Pakistan reviewed an appeal for caught behind by Rahat Ali against du Plessis when he was on 21 and given ‘not out’ by Billy Bowden. Despite a faint mark on Hot Spot, the decision was upheld.
Later on, an appeal for caught behind against AB de Villiers resulted in the same decision. De Villiers indicated that he padded the ball away but even that did not show up on the Hot Spot camera.
The final incident took place when de Villiers survived again on review in the second innings. He was given out lbw to Saeed Ajmal and immediately gestured to his bat to indicated he had hit the ball. Although the Hot Spot camera did not show an edge, the decision was overturned and de Villiers continued batting.
At the post-day press conference Whatmore was reluctant to talk about Hot Spot. “I wouldn’t like to comment on that because it is part and parcel of umpiring decisions but any comments will be done in the right channels,” he said.
Neitrher did he use the issue to play down the total dominance of Souith Africa’s pace attack, led by Dale Steyen, who finishged with 6 for 8. “I’ve never seen two hours of relentless, incredible pace bowling such as I have witnessed today,” he said.
SuperSport’s producer Louwrens Rensburg told ESPNCricinfo that the Hot Spot cameras were in perfect working condition. He added that in the current “atmospheric conditions,” which included heat and bright sunshine faint edges would only show up slightly.
A match official confirmed early in the day that the umpires and match referee, Jeff Crowe, were satisfied with the technology available to them.
Sky TV promoted more sensitive Hot Spot cameras for South Africa’s series in England last summer that they claimed were more reliable.