Controversy! Umpire Richard Illingworth’s howler leaves New Zealand fuming; Adam Voges gets a lifeline

Controversy! Umpire Richard Illingworth's howler leaves New Zealand fuming; Adam Voges gets a lifeline

Adam Voges was given not out despite Doug Bracewell smacked his stumps in the final over of Day-1 of the first Test between New Zealand and Australia at Basin Reserve on Friday. The on-field umpire Richard Illingworth dragged himself into controversy when he signalled a legal delivery from Bracwell a no-ball because the replays clearly showed that Bracewell had his heel just one line. Towards the end of the day, the umpires gave the sides an extra over to play and Bracewell’s that delivery immediately saw the New Zealanders cheering and celebrating, so Illingworth has evidently annoyed them. The end of the match saw the unhappy New Zealand skipper having a chat with the umpire. FULL SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia 2015-16, 1st Test at Wellington

Batting first, New Zealand were bundled out for 183 in 48 overs. Mark Craig top-scored for them with 41 runs. Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon shared the wickets between them with Hazlewood and Siddle bagging three scalps each and Lyon made two breakthroughs. In reply, Australia are three-down at stumps of Day-1, still trailing New Zealand by 36 runs.

Voges who earned a life due to a poor decision from the umpire can eventually turn the tables around in the favour of the visitors and New Zealand are aware of this fact. Voges’ last five Test innings consists of two centuries and a double century, so an umpire’s fault can now go on to cost the Black Caps this Test if Voges manages to settle well on the crease.

Also, New Zealand are already on the back foot for the reason that Australia have not lost a Test in Basin Reserve in the last 26 years. And it is only once when New Zelaand have beaten these opponents in this venue. Out of nine Tests in Wellington, Australia have won thrice and New Zealand once which was in 1990.