Nigel Llong Under Fire For His Shocking Decision During Australia-New Zealand Boxing Day Test

Australia have pocked the three-match series beating New Zealand by 247 runs in the second match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Meanwhile, the umpires have been on the firing line for some poor judgements throughout the Test match. In the latest, umpire Nigel Llong received a good bashing from the commentators for a disgraceful LBW decision against Tom Blundell.

After Tim Paine slammed the DRS Technology and a misjudgement from Aleem Dar despite replays clearly showing a nick on the gloves, Nigel Llong made a comedy of errors. Tom Blundell was hit on his thigh guard by a James Pattinson length delivery when he was batting on 90. The Australians belted out an appeal in unison with the bowlers almost certain about the ball hitting the wicket.

A great review by Blundell.#AUSvNZ https://t.co/Q5Lvt45rWO pic.twitter.com/kcn4ouGkuv

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2019

Read More: Rashid Khan Leave Everyone Surprised With His ‘Camel’ Bat

Llong, after considering lifted his finger despite the ball hitting quite high on Blundell’s thighs. It was clear that the ball would have sailed over the stumps, but Nigel Llong thought otherwise. Luckily for the visitors, the Black Caps still had a review to use which Blundell did almost immediately. The replays showed that the ball would go above the wicket, and Llong had to overturn his decision.

Meanwhile, it didn’t go well with former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum who gave a mouthful to the on-field umpire. McCullum, who was on the air, also stressed the poor level of umpiring throughout the Test match.

“That’s a terrible, terrible decision – not for the first time this Test,” McCullum said on SEN. “That’s going over the top by a foot. It’s closer to being over shoulder height than it was to hitting the stumps,” he added. 

Read More: Watch: Kane Williamson Meets New Zealand Fans To Thank Them For Support After Heavy Loss At MCG

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne also blasted Nigel Llong for a surprising decision. Meanwhile, the wicket didn’t matter as Australia were almost on the verge of taking the game home. Nathan Lyon and James Pattinson led the charge to bowl out New Zealand and secure the victory and series win.

“Considering some of the ones Nigel Llong has given not out, it was pretty amazing he gave that out when it hit way above the pad,” Warne said during the game.

Read More: Watch: BJ Watling’s Unbelievable Dismissal At The MCG