1 Dec 2015

ICC boss backs process over Lyon recall

9:26 am on 1 December 2015

The right process was followed in Nigel Llong's contentious third umpire decision in the day-night test against Australia, International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson says.

Llong has had little support from either team over the crucial not out decision which may have cost New Zealand victory over Australia in the test in Adelaide at the weekend.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, second left, and wicketkeeper BJ Watling wait for the decision over Australian batsman Nathan Lyon's sweep-shot.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, second left, and wicketkeeper BJ Watling wait for the decision over Australian batsman Nathan Lyon's sweep-shot. Photo: AFP

Llong ruled there was not enough evidence to dismiss Lyon during Australia's first innings when his attempted sweep-shot was caught, despite infra-red imaging system Hot Spot showing a big mark on the bat.

Lyon then went on to contribute to a 74-run partnership which helped Australia to a first innings lead.

Among those shocked by the decision were the Australian commentators, international greats Shane Warne, Ian Chappell and Ian Healy.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson contacted match referee Roshan Mahanama, but he (who) did not elaborate on what they were demanding from the ICC.

Richardson backed the process Llong followed. "I was watching it on television when it happened and I think the process was okay," he told News Corp Australia.

Hesson made his views on Llong and the Decision Review System (DRS) clear. "I don't think there's anything wrong with the technology at all. The technology has got a bit of a bad wrap."

Australia coach Darren Lehmann felt for his counterpart. "If I was ... umpiring I probably would have let him keep walking," he told ABC Radio.

New Zealand Cricket is seeking a 'please explain' from the International Cricket Council over the contentious umpiring decision.

'It certainly had an impact'

Following the loss, Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum called it a significant moment in the match, although his coach Mike Hesson was unsure whether it decided the match outcome.

"I guess we'll never know. The game carried on and it took a number of other twists and turns after that... but it certainly had an impact," Hesson said.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson Photo: Photosport

Hesson said he was still a strong advocate of the decision review system but they wanted some clarity on what happened, and had written to the ICC seeking that.

"I think everybody at the ground saw what unfolded... We've certainly made a representation to the ICC and at this stage we are still awaiting an acceptable response."

Hesson believed the pink ball match was a success but said there needed to be some adjustments to the ball.

"You do struggle to see the seam at night... it's a bit more of a haze than the normal ball."

As a spectacle, "it spoke for itself," he said.

Despite losing the three-match series 2-0, Hesson did not believe there was much difference between the two sides.

"The last two test matches could have gone either way. We congratulate Australia on a hard-fought series, but we also feel we are not far away."

The two sides will play a two-test series in New Zealand in February.

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