In what Tim David characterized as an “absurd” episode during the second T20I match between Australia and West Indies in Adelaide, Alzarri Joseph narrowly escaped a run-out because the on-field umpire ruled that Australia hadn’t formally appealed for it.
During the 19th over, Joseph nudged the ball to the covers where Mitchell Marsh swiftly gathered it and hurled it towards the non-striker’s end. Bowler Spencer Johnson swiftly dislodged the stumps and casually returned to his bowling mark. Umpire Gerard Abood could be heard over the radio saying “No appeal” as he sauntered back to adjust the bails.
Moments later, the giant screen displayed Joseph falling short of his crease. The Australian team erupted in celebration, but Abood informed them that no appeal had been lodged.
More players surrounded the umpire, with David implying that he had indeed appealed while David Warner argued it was an “umpire error.” Abood rebuked the players, cautioning them that they were treading into “real poor territory.”
No appeal = no run out?
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 11, 2024
An unusual situation unfolded in Sunday night's T20 international #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/PKmBVKyTyF
According to the MCC’s law 31.3 regarding the timing of appeals, it specifies: “For an appeal to be valid, it must be made before the bowler begins his/her run-up or, if there is no run-up, his/her bowling action to deliver the next ball, and before Time has been called.”
While Johnson had not initiated his run-up yet, umpires typically do not entertain appeals after a replay has been displayed on the big screen for decisions eligible for review via DRS, such as catches or LBWs.