Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood under scrutiny for intolerable reaction on umpire decision at Day 4, 2nd Test

Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood under scrutiny for intolerable reaction on umpire decision at Day 4, 2nd Test

Australia players Josh Hazlewood and Steven Smith fell for yet another umpire controversy with Ranmore Martinesz on the Day 4 of 2nd Test at Christchurch, which could come under scrutiny from the match referee Chris Broad. The incident occurred when Hazlewood appealed for an lbw to Kane Williamson in 73rd over just before lunch in New Zealand‘s second innings on Day 4. When Martinesz ruled out the run-out on field, Smith immediately asked for review from third umpire Richard Illingworth. Illingworth was more than convinced of an inside edge after viewing the hot spot that showed small mark on the bottom of the bat as the ball passed, and he then asked Martinesz to stay still with his decision. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test at Christchurch

After viewing the review and replay on Hot spot, Australians were furious and indicated to Martinesz that they thought the Hot Spot was the result of Williamson’s bat hitting his boot. Smith walked towards Martinesz and asked to reconsider the decision while Hazlewood was heard on the stump microphone to say: “Who the f*** is the third umpire?” At that moment, the reactions of Australians drew criticisms from TV commentators immediately and Mark Richardson declared the actions of the Australians as “intolerable” and Ian Smith condemed the players for showing their anger at Martinesz, as reported on ESPNcricinfo.

“You live by the sword, you die by the sword,” Ian Smith said. “It’s not this man’s fault. He gave it not out, you asked, they provided the evidence. He does not deserve a grilling out there.”