Umpire Rod Tucker apologises to South African team for wrong no-ball call

AB de Villiers, South Africa’s stand-in captain during their 3-run win against England at Chittagong on Sunday, said that Australian umpire Rod Tucker had apologized for his mistake in making a no-ball call during the match.

In just the second over of England’s innings, Albie Morkel had opener Alex Hales caught at point only for Tucker to rule it a no-ball. Replays, however, clearly showed that Morkel’s foot landed well before the popping crease.

Albie Morkel’s foot landing well within the crease

Hales, who had made only 9 runs at that time, went on to make 38 off 22 balls.

De Villiers, leading the side in the absence of Faf du Plessis who had been suspended, expressed relief that the mistake did not cost his side a crucial win.

“I asked him to refer it upstairs, but he said he already made his decision. I knew what his answer would be, but I just wanted to buy some time, slow things down, because the guys were quite upset,” De Villiers told the Volksblad website.

“These things happen in cricket, we all make mistakes. At least he apologised afterwards. Luckily it didn’t cost us the match.”

South Africa currently sit on top of Group 1 but will probably finish 2nd due to net run-rate at the end of all games in the group, which means that the Proteas could take on India in the 2nd semi-finals on Friday.