AUS vs ENG: "As Players, You're Watching The Ball…" - England All-rounder Sam Curran Appeals For Third Umpire's Help On Obstruction Of Field

The first T20I of the three-match series between Australia and England on Sunday, October 09, at the Optus Stadium in Perth, grabbed headlines for a controversial incident involving Mathew.

This incident took place in the 17th over of Australia’s innings, when England fast bowler Mark Wood bowled a short pitch delivery and the ball flew off Wade’s bat and flicked his helmet. Wood continued his follow-through and came running to catch the ball, but the bowler was pushed by the batsman and he could not take the catch. The ball could have hit the stumps too, but it didn’t.

England all-rounder Sam Curran has backed his skipper Jos Buttler’s decision not to appeal against Matthew Wade’s for obstructing the field. The 24-year-old said third umpires should be able to rule on such incidents rather than requiring players to appeal.

Easiest Way, Go Straight To The Third Umpire – Sam Curran

“As players, you’re watching the ball go up and we’re looking at that rather than maybe the actual movements of the players involved,” he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

“Maybe that’s the easiest way, just go straight to the third umpire, it’s probably tough for the umpires in the field because they’re probably watching the ball as well.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t happen too often, (but) in those big moments, it could be a wicket that wins you the game or loses the game as well so maybe that’s the best way.”

England skipper Jos Buttler stated after the game that England would have appealed had it been in the World Cup match, and Curran agreed with his captain.

“When you play a game versus Australia and at a World Cup, for instance, your competitive edge will be out there and there will be wanting to win at all costs,” he said.

“In the moment, you’d hope they take it upstairs (to the third umpire) and the best decision is made because Woody bowled a nice ball there and he probably deserved a wicket and he’s (Wade) kind of got a little bit in the way.”

England will face Australia in the 2nd T20I of a three-match series at the Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Wednesday, October 12. The Aaron Finch-led team will be hoping to win this match and level the series.

Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: “I’m Out Of The Race” – Mitchell Marsh