“Is it necessary to throw a stone to get Stoinis out?” - Salman Butt lashes out at Australian all-rounder for questioning Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has hit out at Marcus Stoinis for questioning Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action after being dismissed by the pacer in a match in the Hundred. Butt described the Aussie all-rounder’s gesture as "below the belt".
Stoinis was representing the Southern Brave against the Oval Invincibles on Sunday (August 14) at The Oval. He was dismissed for 37 off 27 balls, caught at mid-off on a pacy, short delivery from Hasnain.
As he walked back to the dugout, Stoinis made a gesture with his hands to suggest that the bowler was throwing. Slamming the Australian cricketer, Butt questioned Stoinis' antics.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he commented:
“Stoinis’ behavior was below the belt. Mohammad Hasnain has been cleared by the ICC. Coaches worked with him on his bowling action. After that, he gave his test, which went to the concerned authorities. Then, what’s the point of him making such a gesture? Is it necessary to throw a stone to get Stoinis out?”
@AzeemRafiq30 https://t.co/kJsf8aCd3a
Hasnain, 22, was suspended from bowling after being called by umpires during the BBL. During the tournament, another Aussie, Moises Henriques, raked up a controversy, commenting, "nice throw, mate," after playing and missing. The Pakistani fast bowler was cleared to bowl in June with a remodeled action.
“Why was he let away? Is it a joke?” - Salman Butt unhappy with Stoinis getting away
They cannot play him. First Henricks then Maxwell and now Stoinis. Hasnain is nightmare for Australians😂
#MohammadHasnain #MarcusStoinis https://t.co/v4g2wh5f4b
Despite his controversial gesture, Stoinis was not penalized with a formal sanction. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the cricketer was spoken to by match referee Dean Cosker but will not be formally charged with breaching the ECB's disciplinary code.
Expressing displeasure over the all-rounder being let off, Butt said:
“Who are you (referring to Stoinis), unless some umpire takes a decision on him. Hasnain will be under tight scrutiny as he is making a comeback after correcting his action. In such a situation, for a player to come up with such a gesture (is unacceptable). [sic]
"And then, he got away with it. He got away with something that others might not have. It is regrettable. Why was he let away? Is it a joke? If yes, then other teams can also do it.”
Hasnain has taken three wickets in three matches for the Invincibles so far. The Invincibles went on to win Sunday’s match by seven wickets, their third victory in four games.