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Umpire Manuel shows 'em the way
By Marlon Fernandopulle
ICC and Sri Lanka Umpire Peter Manuel who was praised by match refree Mike Procter admitted that his decision to revoke a controversial lbw during last weeks 2nd one dayer between Sri Lanka and Australia was not influenced by the reactions of the two Australian batsmen but simply he did it because of his own conviction.

When contacted by the Sunday Times Manuel said, "As soon as I made the decision I felt it was incorrect as I thought Symonds had hit the ball first. So I walked upto Billy and said I think he hit that what do you say Billy? Hats off to him he did not hedge he immediately said I think so too. I then said to him I am going to call him back and Billy goes" Are you sure you want do that?" I said "yes, lets get this right". Billy immediately said fine I am with you. I then revoked the decision and recalled the batsman, the rest is history".

Despite the Lankans celebrating the fall of a destructive Australian batsman and thousands of spectators cheering, Manuel made the unprecedented move. As match referee Mike Procter put it "The way it was handled out there was terrific. The umpire thought through his initial decision and realised he had made a mistake - it was a hugely courageous decision to do what he did. Infact the former South African cricketer labeled the decision as " a fantastic, gutsy effort" and urged other umpires to follow and take Manuels lead.

The game is bigger than the individual
Although not on record this maybe the first time in the game that an lbw decision has been revoked and a batsman called back. When asked how he felt about it Manuel said,

"I realized that there are many times that in ones life when you make mistakes - and when you reflect on it you always think -if given a second chance I would do it right. Well, here I had a chance to rectify something that was incorrect and still be within the laws governing the game. The dent to my personal pride and ability meant nothing -I always thought the great game is much bigger than the individuals. I owed it to the game to try and get this one at least right--no matter what it took. I feel relieved, my biggest critic is my conscience. I can live with it now".

Umpires do make mistakes today. Whether it's Steve Bucknor, David Shepherd or Daryl Harper blatant decisions, dubious errors or glaring mistakes whatever you call it have all been part and parcel of today's high profile games. The ICC is doing everything possible to minimize these decisions but the progress is far from satisfactory. What happened on Sunday maybe a precedent for the future and is certain to be food for thought for the ICC.

What all players and spectators urge is for the umpires to give the RIGHT decision. Using their own judgment or with the help of the third umpire or by way of revoking a wrong decision, if the correct decision could be given there will be no need for dissent by the players. Thus helping the ICC of ensuring that the spirit of the game is upheld at all times.

Fine gesture by Marvan
Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu endorsed Manuel's decision when he said," It was right to call back Symonds. The umpires made a decision to call him back and asked if it was okay by me and I said okay, it's not a problem, and that was the opinion of the rest of the team. I know it is unusual. We all make mistakes. If we can minimize these mistakes it's good for the game".

The match referee also commended the Lankan skipper for a fine gesture when he said" You also have to take your hat off to Marvan [Atapattu] and his team for the manner in which they accepted the decision. Symonds is one of those players that can win a game with a few blows and it was a big call from Marvan at that stage of the game."

According to the law of the game an umpire may alter his decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire's decision, once made, is final. Although Atapattu was told about revoking the decision the law does not require that the umpire informs the captain.

Meanwhile Andrew Symonds who was in the center of the controversy was quoted saying "It was an interesting incident and something I have not seen before-not even as a kid. I was given out and almost off the ground when I heard our blokes calling my name and pointing back to the middle. I wasn't sure what was going on but the last thing that I expected was to be called back. It came as a real shock".

Proctor commended
Match referee Mike Procter should be commended for applying the ICC code of conduct and fining Adam Gilchrist for showing dissent. At a time when Asian Players are whining and crying that match referees are slow to slap fines on players with big names, Proctor has played a straight bat by coming out strongly against the Australian vice captain. Hats off to the ICC match referee!

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