Steve Bucknor, the long-lasting West Indian umpire nicknamed ‘Gradual Demise‘ for his measured and deliberate decision-making, confronted important backlash for 2 high-profile blunders involving Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
The selections, made throughout essential matches on the Gabba in 2003 and Eden Gardens in 2005, stirred outrage amongst followers and sparked widespread criticism of Bucknor, who was arguably the very best umpire of his time.
The primary main error occurred within the 2003 Check match between India and Australia on the Gabba, Brisbane. Tendulkar, one of many world’s high batters, was wrongly given lbw off Jason Gillespie whereas TV replays confirmed the ball was clearly going over the stumps.
The controversial choice minimize brief what may have been an necessary innings from Tendulkar, leaving Indian followers and the cricket fraternity fuming. This dismissal grew to become a significant speaking level, with Bucknor being accused of denying a good likelihood to one of many sport’s best gamers.
The second notable blunder passed off throughout a Check match towards Pakistan at Eden Gardens in 2005. Tendulkar was given out caught behind off Abdul Razzaq. Tendulkar tried to drive a great size supply which swung exterior the off stump after pitching, but it surely didn’t have any contact along with his bat.
Once more, the choice proved essential because it ended a promising innings by Tendulkar and shifted the momentum of the match. Indian followers and pundits have been fast to lash out at Bucknor, calling for greater umpiring requirements.
Bucknor’s sluggish and methodical fashion got here beneath heavy scrutiny after these incidents, with some followers and consultants suggesting it contributed to his errors.
Years later, Bucknor, who stood in a report 128 Check matches and 5 consecutive Cricket World Cup finals from 1992 and 2007, admitted to the errors and expressed remorse, acknowledging the strain umpires face and the human nature of errors.
Regardless of these controversies, Bucknor’s lengthy profession stays notable for his contribution to the sport, although these blunders are sometimes remembered by Tendulkar’s passionate supporters.
