Controversial English cricketing umpire Nigel Llong has been removed off ICC’ third umpire’s post for the two-Test series betrween New Zealand and Sri Lanka, after his wrong decision in the first Day-Night Test between Australia and New Zealand at Adelaide Oval, had changed the course of the match last month.
Llong was initially assigned by International Cricket Council (ICC) as the third umpire for the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hamilton, but later he was removed from the position and asked to play the role of an on-field umpire in two match Test series.
Nigel Llong currently assigned in the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at University Oval, Dunedin, which started today (December 10).
Llong’s decision to give Nathan Lyon not out after five minutes long review in the first ever Day-Night Test had badly affected New Zealand chance in the match. New Zealand appealed for a shoulder-bat catch off Nathan Lyon. Hot Spot has shown that the ball touched the bat, but, Llong opted to rely on Snickometer, which is least trusted technology in cricket. The decision affected New Zealand fortune in the match. Until Lyon and Peter Nevill’s hundred run partnership snatched away New Zealand’s tight grip on the match.
Australia has lost 8 wickets for 116 runs. But, a ninth wicket partnership between Nevill and Lyon made the difference in the match. Nevill scored a quick fire 66 while Lyon played crucial 34 runs innings. New Zealand lost the first innings lead as Australia took a 22 runs lead. Later in the second innings New Zealand batsmen folded up for 208. Australia were needed to chase 187 . The won it inside the three days by three wickets. New Zealand bowler Trent Boult brought back the excitement by picking up 5 wickets. But his fifer has gone in vain as New Zealand lost the match by three wickets.
Now English crickter Richard Kettleborough will be the third umpire for the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Llong is officiating the Dunedin Test along with Paul Reifell.