Gus Atkinson took a historic hat-trick at the Basin Reserve on the second day of England's Test match against New Zealand today (December 7). But the decision from final victim Tim Southee to review his lbw decision angered former Black Cap Ian Smith.
Southee was Atkinson's third and final victim, having bowled Nathan Smith and dismissed Matt Henry off his two previous deliveries. That brought No.11 Southee to the crease to face the rampant pacer. With the field set back and clearly expecting a bouncer, Southee was unprepared for the full straight delivery Atkinson dealt him.
He was trapped plumb in front on his front pad, Atkinson wheeling away into a celebrappeal, not turning back to look at the umpire's decision until the finger was already raised. As England celebrated, Southee opted to review the decision, given New Zealand still had the option to do so. There was little point, the ball was thudding into middle and leg.
So obviously plumb was the trajectory of the ball that none of the players stuck around on the field for the review to be completed. By the time the video umpire told the on-field umpire to remain with his decision, they had all left the field for the change of innings.
Southee's decision to review was met by fury from Ian Smith on Sports Nation NZ radio commentary. "It is a moment but it's going to be spoiled by a review," said Smith. "Let's hope England keep celebrating because New Zealand have reviewed this, and they are walking off at the same time which I think is against the spirit of the game. To be perfectly honest I think it is. If you're walking off, you know you're out, so why delay the celebration? That is absolutely stone motherless plumb. It slows the game down, it puts the celebration on hold and it shouldn't.
Gus Atkinson made history at the Basin Reserve today, but the moment was ruined by a unnecessary review that has Smithy heated 😤
— Sport Nation NZ (@SportNationNZ) December 6, 2024
Was it against the spirit of the game when they were already walking off?#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/BehfUyswiI
"This is a famous moment in cricket, famous for this kid. Absolutely brilliant at the Basin Reserve, the bizarre thing is, they haven't even given it out on the field yet. He's given it out and there's no one on the field. That is how ridiculous that is. It sums up the ridiculous nature of the review from New Zealand. He gave that man out when they were off in the dressing room. I've never seen anything like that."
Atkinson was the first pacer to take a Test hat-trick in New Zealand since Ryan Sidebottom in 2008. He also became the first seamer to take a Test five-for England in over a decade.
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