Umpire Ranmore Martinesz was subjected to questioning by the Australians © Getty Images
Josh Hazlewood and Steven Smith were at the centre of an ugly confrontation with umpire Ranmore Martinesz on the fourth day in Christchurch, which could come under scrutiny from the match referee Chris Broad.
The incident occurred in the 73rd over of New Zealand’s second innings, the last over before lunch, when the Australians appealed for an lbw to a near yorker from Hazlewood when Kane Williamson was batting.
Martinesz ruled not-out on the field, and Smith immediately asked for a review from third umpire Richard Illingworth. Hot Spot showed a small mark on the bottom of the bat as the ball passed, which was enough to satisfy Illingworth of an inside edge, and he then asked Martinesz to stay with his original not-out decision.
The Australians, who had seen the replays on the big screen at Hagley Oval, appeared to be furious with the review, indicating to Martinesz that they thought the Hot Spot was the result of Williamson’s bat hitting his boot. Smith walked towards Martinesz to remonstrate and Hazlewood was heard on the stump microphone to say: “Who the f*** is the third umpire?”
Their reaction drew immediate criticism from the TV commentators on air at the time, Mark Richardson declaring the actions of the Australians as “intolerable” and Ian Smith condemning the players for showing their anger at Martinesz.
“You live by the sword you die by the sword,” Ian Smith said. “It’s not this man’s fault. He gave it not out, you asked, they provided the evidence. He does not deserve a grilling out there.”
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo