Former Australia Test cricket umpire Lou Rowan died at an age of 91.
Rowan, who is remembered to be involved in two of the most controversial Ashes Tests in 1970/71 series, had officiated in 25 Tests in his eight-year career overall. He also officiated in the first ever ODI game between Australia and England on January 5th, 1971, his only one, though.
Notably, he made headlines during the acrimonious Ashes series in Australia and came under heavy criticism from Ray Illingworth, Geoffrey Boycott and John Snow.
In six Tests matches played, no Australian batsman was given out LBW, which made Rowan’s case as an umpire too tricky to appreciate for the visitors.
In the first Test match, Australian batsman Keith Stackpole was clearly run out by a throw from Boycott, but was adjudged not out by the umpire Rowan. Following day, cricketing media across the world termed the decision as worst ever in cricket history by adding evidence. Result to that, the batsman went on to score a double hundred in the match.
During the seventh Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, England captain Ray Illingworth walked his team off the field after fast bowler John Snow was attacked by a member of the crowd. At the time, Rowan instructed Illingworth to return his team to the field or face forfeiting the match, before the game continued.
Reportedly, Rowan early in the series warned the English bowlers, after an intimidating bouncer hit on the head of the Australian tailender Terry Jenner by John Snow. Post retirement, Rowan also worked as a Queensland drug squad detective.
