Something sinister at work on the field

Not only should we protest the large number of questionable decisions by these elite umpires, but also the fact that these decisions were all against the West Indies with apparently none against Australia. Such a lopsided result defies the laws of probability and suggests something sinister at work. This view is reinforced by the amazing admission on a local radio programme by the ICC official responsible for the panel of umpires to the effect that umpires’ decisions tend to favour the stronger team. No wonder Ricky Ponting the Australia captain does not want the increased use of technology: umpire errors are "just part of the game" he says. What is perplexing is that our vanquished captain Chanderpaul agreed!

In the interests of fair play, I share the view of many that modern technology should be increasingly used in order to reduce umpiring errors. Moreover, the ICC ratings of these highly paid umpires should be published for all to see.

Finally, as suggested by one of my colleagues, because of the egregious nature of the errors against the West Indies in the recently concluded controversial series, consideration should be given to officially recording as "not out" those West Indies players who the television replays indicate were not out. Oh how Brian Lara’s test average would soar beyond its already lofty height, if this measure were applied in all the cases where he was given out incorrectly.

PROFESSOR STEPHAN GIFT

Faculty of Engineering UWI