BBL 2023-24: Watch - Huge Drama Erupts As Third Umpire Presses Wrong Button; Incorrect Decision Displayed

Sydney Sixers batter Josh Philippe was at the receiving end of an umpiring error during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 match against Melbourne Stars. The match between the two heavyweights of the league is taking place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Third Umpire Paul Wilson made a shocking mistake that left many in splits. During the 4th ball of the third over, Melbourne Stars all-rounder Imad Wasim bowled a delivery to Sydney Sixers batter James Vince, who smashed the ball back to the bowler. 

Imad Wasim got a hand to the ball and it went on to hit the stumps at the bowler’s end. Josh Philippe at the non-striker’s end was comfortably inside the crease but the on-field umpire sent the decision upstairs. After checking, it was all the most certain that the decision on the big screen would be Not Out. 

However, in a shocking turn of events, third umpire Paul Wilson pressed the wrong button the big screen flashed OUT. It made many confused and even the umpires on the field were clueless for a bit. They then quickly told that it was wrong and the screen was changed to NOT OUT. 

Here’s the video: 

He's pressed the wrong button! ?@KFCAustralia #BucketMoment #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/yxY1qfijuQ

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2024

Melbourne Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell gave a hilarious reaction as he wanted the decision to stay OUT. The umpires, along with Josh Philippe had a light laugh about it before the game was resumed and Imad Wasim bowled the remaining two balls of his over. 

Coming to the match, Melbourne Stars were asked to bat first and they didn’t have the kind of outing they wanted. They put up a decent total on the board but surely they would’ve wanted more runs on the board, especially with the kind of lineup they have. 

Dan Lawrence (36) played a decent knock at the start but couldn’t carry on. Skipper Glenn Maxwell played a brutal cameo of 31 runs of 14 balls that put Sydney Sixers under pressure. However, after his wicket Melbourne Stars couldn’t quite get going as they failed to score runs quickly. 

Marcus Stoinis (34*) and Hilton Cartwright (29) added 56 runs but couldn’t score freely. Melbourne Stars ended with a total of 156 runs on the board. For Sydney Sixers, Todd Murphy was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged two wickets. 

BBL 2023-24: Josh Philippe perishes early in the chase for Sydney Sixers 

Sydney Sixers didn’t have the kind of start they would’ve wanted in the chase. Josh Philippe perished early and it happened right in the next over after the umpire made an error, terming Out while it was Not Out. 

Josh Philippe was castled by Scott Boland, who bowled a delivery on a length around middle and leg. The ball shaped back in and the batter was beaten as he tried to swing across the line.  

The ball came back in and hit the top of the leg stump. Josh Philippe scored just 9 runs off 8 balls. After his wicket, James Vince and Daniel Hughes have played staggeringly well and are keeping their team in the hunt.