WATCH: Josh Hazlewood caught swearing by stump microphone
Josh Hazlewood and captain Steve Smith were embroiled in controversy on the fourth day’s play between New Zealand and Australia at Christchurch with the bowler being picked up as swearing after having an appeal turned down.
The incident happened in the 73rd over – last before lunch – when the fast bowler appealed for an lbw to send back Kane Williamson at 88.
But on-field umpire Ranmore Martinesz turned the appeal down. Thereafter, Australians immediately took a review and went up to third umpire Richard Illingworth. On replay, the hot spot showed a slight mark at the bottom of the bat which proved to be the decision maker for Illingworth and give Williamson not out. He asked Martinesz to stick to his initial decision.
Having seen the replay on the big screen and the subsequent not out decision, Australians led by Smith were left incensed with the skipper questioning the call. Hazlewood on his part was caught by the stump microphone as saying: “Who the f*** is the umpire?”
WATCH:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG4gUA7t0Jw&w=560&h=315]Their reaction drew immediate condemnation from the commentators with Ian Smith saying, “You live by the sword, you die by the sword.”
“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.”
Mitchell Johnson also commented on the issue and asked for the microphone to be done away with to improve the game and it’s enthusiasm.
It's time for the stump mikes to be turned off. Sure, we have all said a swear word when frustrated #NZvAUS #turnstumpmikeoff #notperfect
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) February 23, 2016
Okay I get what it looks like. I'll take that. More cameras and microscope of the game sees more than years before in the game.
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) February 23, 2016
