Pakistan Team Director Mohammad Hafeez has revealed what wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan told him after the latter was given out in a controversial manner during the ongoing second Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Cummins appealed for a caught behind in the 61st over of Pakistan’s second innings but the umpire gave it not out. However, the Australian captain decided to review the decision as he thought Rizwan might have gloved it.
After the third umpire took a look at the appeal from different angles and reckoned that there was a spike as the ball passed the wrist band so the on-field umpire was asked to change his decision.
However, the hotspot showed no mark as Rizwan looked away from the ball at the last second. Rizwan, who was sure that he didn't get anything on it, went back to the hut in utter disbelief.
Rizwan was batting on 35 runs, with Pakistan 98 runs away from victory, when the incident took place.
"I spoke to Rizwan, and I believe he is a very honest person. He told me that the ball did not touch anywhere near the gloves, and there should be conclusive evidence to overturn the decision of the on-field umpire," Hafeez told reporters after the game.
"Based on what I know, the umpire gave it not out, and there was no conclusive evidence for the decision to be overturned. I don't know what more to say. In this instance, the technology turned out to be a curse rather than something helpful," Hafeez added.
Australia beat Pakistan in the second Test by 79 runs in Melbourne to clinch the three-match Test series.
Australia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after the win today.
Chasing a target of 317 runs, Pakistan were dismissed for 237 in their second innings on Friday.
Pakistan have performed poorly in Australia, losing 16 Tests on the trot with their last win in 1995.
The third and final Test of the series will be played in Sydney from January 3.
- Mohammad Rizwan