Cricket comedy

I am thoroughly not interested with the ongoing cricket series between West Indies and India. The reason being viewer burn-out. I am tired of watching cricket matches without sufficient gap to rejuvenate me.

But in the yesterday's 2nd ODI match between India and West Indies, there was an absolutely funny incident. It happened somewhere in the 2nd powerplay (do not remember exactly as WI were playing pathetically slow cricket), Pathan bowled the first ball of his over to Sarwan, Sarwan played a soft shot towards mid-wicket and sprinted for a single. Lara who was at the non-striker's end also responded, Raina who was at mid-wicket made a good fielding attempt and hit the stumps at the striker's end with a direct throw. It is easy to visualize this as a very good piece of cricket. But wait.

When Sehwag who was at the square leg started to appeal, he could not find the square leg umpire. According to laws of cricket, to get a batsman out, the fielding side has to make an appeal. In order to make an appeal, an umpire has to be there. Unfortunately, the umpire, Mr.BR Doctrove, was missing.

The close-up shots of Harbhajan grinning away at Sehwag's awe, Sehwag's gestures with his hands on not finding the umpire and Raina searching 720 degrees for the umpire were the icing on the cake.

The matter was not referred to the third umpire and it was declared a dead ball. Fortunately for the umpires, the TV replays suggested that Lara was well home and the incident did not turn out to be a controversy but remained a comedy.

For the record, the Windies halted India's long unbeaten chasing streak. Here is the Scorecard. Thanks to my local cable operator, I am able to see Ten Sports inspite of not having Set Top Box at home.