The technology was poor when West Indies were at their prime. The formidable West Indies during 1980-81 New Zealand tour played three-match Test series. ICC’s surveillance system was poor. Umpires without proper training were too biased to their own country. But, everything has changed after this controversial series. ICC had decided to introduce the neutral umpiring system. During the series, every appeal by the New Zealand bowlers was upheld by the umpires, but at the same time every genuine appeal by West Indies bowlers were turned down.
Bad umpiring forced West Indies to lose the first Test. Mighty West Indies’ defeat at the hand of rather weak New Zealand shocked the world as they could not digest. Between the two umpires, New Zealand’s Fred Goodall was the worst in that series.
He had become too much patriotic and played the role of 12th man in New Zealand’s victory.
West Indies’ bowling department was comprised of fiery Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft and Joel Graner.
In the second Test at Lancaster Park, Christchurch angry West Indies were trying to give New Zealand a lesson. Colin Croft bowled a superb bouncer to Richard Hadlee. The ball nicked the gloves of Hadlee and landed in the safe hands of wicket-keeper Deryck Murry. Croft and Murry made a vociferous appeal. But, brazen Fred Goodall turned it down.
Croft was apparently not happy with Goodall’s decision. Both on-field umpires already complained to West Indies captain Clive Lloyd. But, the situations turned worst as Goodall called the next delivery no ball. West Indies bowlers used to not believe in talking. But, Croft’s eyes told many things. Croft was chewing a gum and stared at Goodall from back. Anger was visible in his eyes. Deadly Croft did not take it lightly. While bowling the next delivery, he came furiously close to Fred Goodall and violently elbowed him with his right elbow (bowling arm) and delivered the ball to Richard Hadlee with extream pace.
Now, Goodall got angry as he walked straight to the West indies captain Clive Lloyd holding his left arm in pain and complained to Clive Llyod. Croft after delivering the ball kicked away the dust in frustration. Spectators booed Croft. The controversial incident has changed the umpiring system as ICC introduced the neutral umpiring system.
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