Watch: Ricky Ponting’s masterclass against India in the 2003 World Cup is remembered as a flawless captain’s knock, but one lbw call, turned down by umpire Steve Bucknor, is looked at as a potential reprieve for the skipper.

Ponting, who won the Player of the Match award for his masterful 140 off 121 balls, powered Australia to 359-2, the highest score in a World Cup final. It was a knock filled with strokes of utmost authority and disdain – he hit four fours and eight sixes, and ended unbeaten by the end of the 50-over mark, sharing a 234-run stand with Damien Martyn.

When Australia were on 223-2 in the 38th over, Ponting, facing part-timer Dinesh Mongia, tried to sit down on one knee and sweep the left-arm spinner. The ball, angled into the right-hander, darted into his body – the batsman missed the line completely and got hit below waist height.

The Indian team went up in unison, but Bucknor, the umpire, instantly shook his head, turning down the appeal. “Struck in line, struck on the back leg, that’s a good shout, very good shout”, said Ravi Shastri on commentary.

With DRS years away from still being introduced, the Indian fielders could only look at the umpire in dismay. Over the years, Bucknor became a constant target for criticism among Indian fans, especially his incorrect calls against Sachin Tendulkar, a topic he spoke about recently.

Was it plumb? Was height a factor? You decide: