itstargetnews
third test match Australia and India Brisbane’s Gabba Stadium has been hit by heavy rain, affecting four days of play so far. The weather forecast predicted further showers on day five, much to the dismay of players, commentators and fans alike. Delays caused by the weather have prompted sharp criticism from former cricketers, particularly over the way the umpires handled the rainy disruption.
Criticism of referee decisions mounting
Kerry O’Keeffe Criticizing the slow pace of the game and emphasizing the need for referees to be more proactive. He expressed frustration and said players should prepare and warm up to avoid delays.
“For years we’ve been preaching to referees about a proactive “snail’s pace” where players should be warming up and where they should be ready to go. It really makes everyone depressed.” added the former cricketer turned commentator.
return Watch: Pat Cummins smiles in disbelief as Jasprit Bumrah scores huge six in AUS vs IND third Test
Isa Guha joins the chorus of critics
Former England cricketer backs O’Keeffe’s stance a cave Guha also expressed his disappointment with the referee’s handling of the match, stressing that the rain had stopped about 10 minutes ago, noting that it was caused by a cloud that cleared up quickly.
“The rain stopped about 10 minutes ago and you can see when it started, it cleared up quickly with just a cloud,” Guha said while commenting on Fox Cricket.
The right-arm medium-fast bowler also suggested that the umpires could ask players to “hang out” during the brief interruption as play may resume soon, “I just wonder if the referee can say to the players, ‘Stay’ in this situation because we might go right back,” she added.
Call for action due to rain delays
The frustrations expressed by former cricketers highlight an ongoing problem in cricket with the timeliness of decisions taken during weather disruptions. Both O’Keefe and Guha’s comments highlighted the need for referees to take a more proactive and efficient approach, especially during games affected by rain. More rain is expected as the final day approaches, but the question remains whether umpires can take quicker action to reduce delays and give fans and players the chance to enjoy uninterrupted cricket.
