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A controversial BBL umpiring decision has divided players and commentators.
Melbourne Stars opening batsman and wicketkeeper Sam Harper was given “out” after being stumped by Sydney Thunder‘s keeper Cameron Bancroft.
The umpire was quick to make a decision, with Harper walking for just five (off seven balls), but replays showed the bat was grounded in his crease when he was stumped.
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Despite controversy, Harper did not appeal and the delivery failed to make it to the third umpire.
It caused an uproar from commentators, with Australian cricket legend Brad Haddin sure that Harper was safe.
“Not out, bat’s grounded.”
“I think the bat is down. Oh well, he’s out anyway,” Haddin said on Fox.
Fellow Australian champion Brett Lee disagreed with Haddin, dubbing the call a “great decision”.
“One thing I like is that the umpire just raised the digit straight away,” Lee said.
“That’s a great decision … I think it’s out.”
When asked about the controversial decision, Bancroft remained coy.
“Maybe a little bit of a tight call there,” Bancroft said on Fox.
The Melbourne Stars put up their best score of their season so far, posting 172, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Thunder running over the top to take the win.
