Proteas not to 'lose sleep' over contentious umpiring decisions

Wellington, Mar 24(ANI): South Africa was on the receiving end of two contentious umpiring decisions on the first day of the final Test against New Zealand on Friday, but Proteas' assistant coach Russell Domingo has said the team is not going to lose much sleep over these howlers.

First, captain Graeme Smith was caught behind for five early in their innings, but television replays clearly explained the huge gulf between bat and ball.

Next to suffer was Hashim Amla, who was caught for 63 when replays clearly suggested bowler Mark Gillespie's back foot had touched the return crease, which was a clear case of no-ball, and let Amla should have been ruled not out according to the rule books.

Third umpire Billy Doctrove, however, sustained the on-field decisions to leave South Africa 136 for two at the close of play on a weather-affected first day of the third Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

It's an interesting one. I think the rules say the third umpire is there to eliminate the howler and if he can't see if it's an absolute shocker they go with what happens on the field," Sports24 quoted Domingo, as saying.

"It's one of those decisions that we're not going to lose too much sleep over," he added.

Domingo said Smith, who referred the decision to Doctrove, and shook his head several times when he walked off, was more disenchanted by his shot selection rather than whining over the wrong decision.

"I think he was more disappointed with the stroke he played. I suppose all batters when they get out are unhappy and will vent some frustration, but nothing untoward," he added.

Amla's dismissal had raised more eyebrows, and Domingo claimed the players have moved on in spite of being let down by the decision.

"We thought he did but ultimately that's not our decision. It's part of the game. It's not our call to make. We just have to deal with it and move on," he said.

"The guys are a little bit disappointed, that's cricket though. Some decisions go in your favour and some don't," he added. (ANI)