Watch: Controversial LBW Decision In County Cricket On Matt Parkinson's Bowling Sparks Debate

In a Group 3 game in the ongoing County Championship between Lancashire and Northamptonshire, Matt Parkinson, the 24-year-old leg-spinner returned with 6 wickets. One of which was of the left-handed batsman Saif Zaib in Northamptonshire’s second innings which has sparked debate amongst fans and pundits.

During the 42nd over Northamptonshire’s chase of 425 runs, Matt Parkinson ripped one leg-break from around the wicket to Saif Zaib, who was batting at 4. The ball pitched straight into the rough outside Zaib’s off-stump, and with an explosion on the surface turned big and into him. The batter moved towards the off side to cover the line of the delivery but such was the vicious turn he couldn’t get his bat anywhere near the ball, and it hit him on the pads.

The bowler and the close-in fielders went straight up in loud appeals, to which the umpire raised his finger. Zaib stood in disbelief and checked his position as he thought he was well outside off on impact – which seems correct.The batter was clearly outside the line on impact; however, the umpire gave him outside on accounting that Zaib didn’t offer a shot at the start. According to the rule, if the umpire believes that the batsman didn’t offer any shot, the impact of outside off is irrelevant and can be given out if the umpire thinks the ball will hit the stumps, and thus Zaib was given out lbw.

However, the debate which has emerged is because Zaib is seen moving his willow in an unsure attempt to play the ball; but the umpire didn’t think so. While some fans feel the shot was not offered and the umpire was correct, others opine the batter attempted to play the delivery.

Watch:

WICKET WATCH @mattyparky96 has taken two of the three wickets to fall this morning. Here's his second, Saif Zaib lbw #LANvNOR pic.twitter.com/NaJ4sI3ujT

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) April 18, 2021