- Josh Inglis survived bizarre moment against Scotland
- The Australian batsman was the victim of Mark Watt’s ‘long ball’
- But the umpire denied the Scottish bowler his wicket
The Australian cricket team was hit by another controversial incident on British soil on Wednesday after a star player was not sent to the field under questionable circumstances.
The Aussies, who took on Scotland in the first match of their T20 series, were on 113-2 in the seventh over when Scottish spinner Mark Watt prepared to bowl to batter Josh Inglis.
Instead of running to the crease, the bowler launches his trademark 24-yard delivery, called the ‘long ball’, releasing the ball from well behind the crease in an attempt to surprise the batter.
Inglis, who had taken guard for the delivery, retreated as the ball bounced on the grass. The delivery went on to leg stump and the Scots appealed vigorously for a dismissal.
However, referee David McLean signalled ‘dead ball’, giving Inglis a lifeline.
Under MCC Rule 20.4, an umpire must declare the ball ‘dead’ if the striker had a good reason for not being ready and made no attempt to throw the ball.
Watt was denied a similar wicket earlier this year at the T20 World Cup when he dismissed Oman batter Khalid Kail with his long ball, with the umpire also signalling dead ball.
“I just try to rush (the batters),” the 28-year-old said earlier when explaining his unique delivery.
Josh Inglis survived controversial moment during Australia v Scotland match
Mark Watt bowled the Australian batsman but the umpire deemed the ball a ‘dead ball’
‘By the time I release the ball, the batsman looks up and the ball is halfway across the wicket.’
“(It’s effective because) the element of surprise he throws,” Scotland all-rounder Michael Leask said earlier this year.
‘It’s also how good he is at holding his length, it still spins. It’s just a fraction longer.
‘Man, it’s horrible to see, even for us in the nets.
“You know it comes every two minutes. He does it often.”
Australia won the match by seven wickets with Inglis finishing the match unbeaten with 27 runs from 13 balls.