Yes, there is someone who can read spin wizard Muralidaran. Unfortunately, it is not a batsman, but an umpire! Simon Taufel is the amongst the best in the business for sure.
In today's gripping semi finals of IPL 2009 (Bangalore vs Chennai), Murali was required to weave his magic to try to get a few wickets as Bangalore were chasing a moderate target of 147 with many wickets in hand.
Murali was bowling around the wicket to Dravid/Pandey- as this is how he gets an lbw in play. He was right on the button.
1. Murali's first appeal looked very good. Replays showed that the ball pitched on middle and turned enough to miss leg stump. Not out.
2. Few balls later, his second appeal looked plumb, but fortunately Simon Taufel was not looking into Murali's eyes but at the ball which the batsman missed! Not out. Replays showed that the ball pitched on middle-off stump, but still turned enough to just miss leg!
3. Soon Murali slipped it straighter, pitched on middle-off, surely it must be out this time! Not out. Replays indicated that the ball did not turn enough this time, and perhaps slid to clip the outer side of off stump (was it a doosra?). Cannot be given.
4. Fourth time- Murali flights an off-spinner onto middle stump, to hit middle stump, which Dravid tried to sweep and miss. Out!
Murali ended with 15 runs and a wicket in 4 overs! Could be man of the match on another day, with another umpire around (these figures are still daunting to say the least).
Simon Taufel got them all right! Brilliant umpiring...
Also, spare a thought for the batters facing Murali, who have to judge the ball before it hits their pad or bat.
Saumil
Mumbai
24 May 2009
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