Sammy Seeks Clarity on Umpiring Standards After Contentious Test

BARBADOS: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has voiced significant reservations about the quality of TV officiating by Adrian Holdstock, citing a series of questionable calls during the recent Test match against Australia in Barbados.

Sammy implied a possible pattern of partiality, specifically referencing decisions made by Holdstock, not just in the current game, but also extending back to the previous ODI series in England.

“I’ve identified a pattern, especially with this particular official. It began in England, and it’s unsettling. We are simply seeking uniformity in the judgments,” Sammy stated.

“It’s undesirable to find oneself questioning certain officials. Is there a prejudice against this squad? The repetition of debatable calls raises concerns. I am aware he is scheduled for the series. It is not ideal to enter a Test match harboring such reservations,” he elaborated.

Following the second day’s action, Sammy engaged in a discussion with match referee Javagal Srinath to gain insight concerning the third umpire’s verdicts.

“We are endeavoring to understand the decision-making process,” he mentioned. “Our sole desire is for consistency. That is the extent of our request. In instances of uncertainty, maintain consistency across the board.”

The controversy escalated when West Indies captain Roston Chase was involved in a pair of significant TV umpire decisions. During the first over of the second day, an lbw appeal by Hazlewood was dismissed due to inconclusive evidence.

Subsequently, Chase was ruled lbw to Pat Cummins, despite apparent contact with the bat — a decision supported by Holdstock, which provoked disapproval from commentator Ian Bishop.

Another disputed decision involved Shai Hope, who was given out caught behind off Beau Webster, even though replays indicated the ball might have touched the ground while in Alex Carey’s gloves.

Social media comparisons pointed out a similar incident on day one, where Hope’s catch to dismiss Travis Head was ruled not out by the same third umpire.

Although Sammy avoided directly criticizing the Carey decision, he emphasized the necessity for impartial officiating.

“I am merely suggesting, evaluate what is observed. If an identical scenario results in one being not out, it casts greater doubt on the other when it is given out,” he commented.

“Again, I am uncertain of his perspective, but based on the images we have reviewed, the judgments are not adequately equitable for both teams. We are all fallible. Errors are inevitable. I simply desire fairness,” he concluded.