Bell's First Test Wicket

Pakistan reached 300-4 at the end of the first day’s play of the second Test with Inzamam-ul-Haq’s unbeaten knock of 80 being the backbone of the innings. Both Flintoff and Harmison bowled accurately on a pitch that offered little encouragement to seam bowlers once the ball had lost its shine.

However, the main talking point of the day was Bell’s first Test wicket, Yousuf caught and bowled for 78. At both normal speed and in slow motion it appeared to be an excellent low catch, but the magnified frame-by-frame replay suggested that Bell momentarily lost his grip as the ball touched the ground. If the decision had been referred to the third umpire it would have been given not out.

It is probable that this new technology will ensure repeats of today’s controversy, as Bell’s involuntary flinch of the hand whilst he hit the ground is likely to be a common phenomenon in these sort of catches. I am reminded of an incident when Ben Hollioake was given out stumped whilst sliding his foot back into the crease over rough ground. At first glance he was clearly in, but at the instant the stumps were broken his foot had juddered off the ground.

Decision making in cricket has always required qualified judgement, but now enhanced television replays threaten to turn decision making into a process governed by absolutes. If this happens cricket will be poorer as a result.