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World Cup 2023: Andrew McDonald seeks clarity from ICC over Smith's and Stoinis' dismissals

Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis were both given out in a very close and debatable way against the South Africa at the ICC World Cup.

By Soumya | Oct 14, 2023 | 3 Min Read

The 10th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 between South Africa and Australia witnessed a one-sided affair as Proteas emerged victorious, defeating the Aussies by a staggering margin of 134 runs. This win solidified South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and marked Australia’s biggest defeat in World Cup history.

While South Africa’s victory was impressive, the match was marred by two controversial third-umpire decisions that went against Australian batters Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis. These decisions ignited a major controversy and discussions surrounding the accuracy of technology in cricket. Even fast bowler Kagiso Rabada who was responsible for both deliveries had anticipated that the review system would favour the batsmen. On the Stoinis’ dismissal, Rabada added, “I initially thought it hit his thigh pad, and my teammates around me felt that they heard a woody sound. Stoinis didn’t look so convincing. I think he looked as if he felt he had touched it.” Naturally, it can be fathomed how close a call both dismissals were.

“The umpires really did not know what was going on. They saw what we saw so it wasn’t too much going on.”

In a bizarre decision by the umpires, the Australian camp was not at all happy with the dismissals given against Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis. Marnus Labuschane who was batting at the non-striker’s end, said the team would seek an explanation from the apex body. Both Smith and Stoinis were given out after the third umpire reviewed the situation. However, the main problem with their dismissal was that there was no conclusive evidence to prove it.

“We will get clarity or will seek clarity because it’s the World Cup,” Labuschagne said. There was utter confusion during the second innings and the umpires were not also able to fathom the situation that was unfolding on the pitch. According to Marnus, “The umpires really did not know what was going on. They saw what we saw so it wasn’t too much going on. For me it looked on the field… his hand was off the bat, it hit the glove and because it didn’t go to the side on angle Marcus and I were just asking have they checked.”

Smith was dismissed in a manner that raised eyebrows and drew criticism. Initially, he was given not out on the field, but South Africa opted for a review. The ball-tracking technology displayed the white leather hitting the leg stump, leading to an ‘out’ decision. Similarly, Stoinis was given out in a very contentious way. Like Smith, the on-field decision for Stoinis was not out. However, he was given out and caught behind after a review. It was primarily due to the contact between his bottom hand and the top hand, off which the ball deflected to the wicketkeeper. These debatable situations have always sparked extensive controversies. However, it is unfortunate that such an incident is happening in the World Cup.