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Stand-in umpire explains controversial bad light decision
'Sometimes the umpires have to make a call' - Howell
Dileep Premachandran in Durban
December 28, 2006
Ian Howell, the replacement umpire deputising for the ill Mark Benson,
shed some light on the situation that had resulted in play being called
off 37 overs before the scheduled close of play. Speaking to the media, he
referred to the factors that had influenced the umpires' decision.
On how it unfolded
Just prior to the electricity problem, the light was deemed to be bad, and
it was offered to the batsmen. They wanted to stay on the field. When the
lights went out, they decided they would continue. The first ball after
the lights went out, when VRV Singh almost got a wicket, they tried to stay on
a little longer. But eventually they decided they wanted to go off the
field.
Then, the lights came on after electricity supply was restored. When we
went out, the light had deteriorated and was at a lower reading from when
it was initially offered. Asad [Rauf] and I decided we would see what it
was like. We had an over from my end [Zaheer Khan]. Then, when [VRV] Singh
bowled from the north end, it was decided that the light had deteriorated
to the extent that it was unfit for play.
There is a perception at times that it is only the batting side that needs
to be taken into account, and that is correct to a degree. They are the
ones that will be offered the light, which they were. But sometimes, it
gets to the stage that the umpires have to make a call, whether it's unfit
for cricket or not.
On whether the reading was the same as the initial one
I can't give you a correct answer on that as replacement umpire. Asad was
leading the situation. He was using those guidelines that were used for
the past two days as well.
On whether the batsmen were offered light the second time
The light wasn't offered to them again. We get to a stage when we're
unhappy with the lights and we offer it, and they say yes or no.
On what conditions they deem unfit for play
For picking up the line of the ball, background plays a role. For the over
that came from my end, Asad was struggling to pick up the ball from side
on.
Dileep Premachandran is features editor of Cricinfo
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