Sammy seeks clarity over horrendous umpiring as Adrian Holdstock comes under the spotlight for decisions he made.
Sammy seeks clarity as contentious TV umpiring decisions pile up.
Following several controversial reviews of the second day’s play, West Indies coach Daren Sammy has questioned TV umpire Adrian Holdstock’s performance during the inaugural Test match against Australia in Barbados.
After play on Thursday, Sammy met with match referee Javagal Srinath to discuss the decision-making process. He also expressed his concerns on Holdstock’s refereeing during the previous ODI series in England, where he officiated two matches on-field and two on TV.
The two main rulings that West Indies felt went against them on the second day were Shai Hope’s brilliant catch behind by Alex Carey off Beau Webster, which was ruled clean after the on-field umpires sent it upstairs, and an LBW against captain Roston Chase off Pat Cummins’ bowling, despite what they thought was evidence of an inside edge.
“We are just trying to find some sort of understanding as to what the process is,” Sammy said. “We only hope for consistency. That’s all we could ask for. When there is doubt in something, just be consistent across the board.
“I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it’s something that for me started in England. It’s frustrating. I just ask for consistency in the decision-making.”
When asked to clarify whether he was specifically referencing Holdstock, Sammy said: “Yeah, look, you don’t want to get yourself in a situation where you’re wondering about certain umpires. Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question. I know he’s here for the series. You don’t want to go in a Test match having that doubt.
“So I want to have that conversation as to the process… so we could be all clear. Because, at the end of the day, you don’t want to be going into a Test match not trusting the umpires. And that’s not what our team is about. So we’re just looking for some clarity as to the decisions.”
Asked whether West Indies would be lodging a formal complaint, Sammy said, “You’ll have to wait and see for that.”