Alex Hales done in by technology after controversial dismissal in fourth Test against Pakistan

Alex Hales walks off in disbelief

Video replays have had a huge impact on the modern game of cricket. Decisions made with the aid of technology have the ability to alter the course of the game. That said, when adjudication becomes a challenge due to unavailability of reliable video footage, technology is at the receiving end.

With Alastair Cook opting to bat and England getting to 23 off six overs, the hosts seemed to be settling in for a good first morning. But when Alex Hales struck a well timed flick to Yasir Shah at mid-on, off a Mohammad Amir in-swinger, little did he know that he was to be done in by technology.

The Pakistani leg-spinner dived forward and claimed the catch, much to the delight of Amir and the Pakistani camp. But an unconvinced Hales, who had clear view of the catch, held his ground while shaking his head. And sure enough, the on-field umpires conferred and decided to hand the matter to the third-umpire. The on-field decision from Bruce Oxenford was “Out”.

The drama now began to unfold as Joel Wilson, the third-umpire started reviewing the visuals. The first footage on offer was from behind the wicket. Given the well timed flick from Hales and quick camera movement, Yair Shah’s diving effort appeared heavily blurred.

Wilson then asked for another angle. The next footage on offer was the slow motion visual of the real-time action from the bowler’s end. Needless to say, this was blur as well.

“Are you certain, there is no other angle on offer for me”, asked a helpless Wilson. As the answer came in the affirmative, Wilson had to stick to protocol. An inconclusive video replay meant that the on-field umpire’s verdict had to be upheld.

And unfortunately for Hales, this meant that Bruce Oxenford’s original verdict was going to send him back to the dressing room. As the visibly upset English opener shook his head in dissapointment and made his way back up, the Pakistani supporters cheered on.

“It all happened so quickly”, called David “Bumble” Lloyd on air while seeming lamenting the lack of video options available to make an informed decision. As is so often the case, when instances such as this occur in international games, questions arise over the placement of cameras in the stadium.

Despite the availability of superior video technology and well-defined processes for third-umpire referrals, aggrieved players are bound to be frustrated when the “benefit of doubt” call upholds a decison which they clearly feel is incorrect.

As more such incidents play out, it remains to be seen if the ICC mandates placement of more cameras at pre-definied positions to aid decision making. Until such time though, there are bound to more blurred images of diving catches and more batsmen walking off with dissappointed head shakes.