England pacer, Jofra Archer was no-balled and warned for a high no-ball but appeared to escape sanction for a second beamer in a controversial end to Day 2 of the first Test on Friday. South African skipper, Faf du Plessis, and coach Mark Boucher have reported having approached match referee Andy Pycroft after the close of play but there was no immediate statement on what transpired.
Talking about the same, a South African team spokesperson, “The match referee has deferred the situation for comment to the International Cricket Council communications department. We have been asked to leave it to them. There was a little bit of conversation going on after the game. The umpires have to deal with it. Hopefully, they will make the right call.”
Although Philander said it was a matter for the umpires he offered his own opinion.
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The veteran pacer said, “For me, it’s plain and simple. You have to make the right call. Are you going to tolerate it at another game or are we going to put a stop to it right here?”
Here is the video of the beamers:
Archer's beamers…!! pic.twitter.com/DFLpyZlD7p
— Cricket Videos (@CricketVideos15) December 28, 2019
Square leg umpire Chris Gaffaney signaled no-ball when an attempted slower ball by the England fast bowler went past nightwatchman Anrich Nortje in the penultimate over of a dramatic day during which 15 wickets fell. The next delivery also was high and full, which had Nortje feel on the ground while attempting to avoid being hit, Archer again tried to bowl his slower “knuckle” ball.
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Umpire Gaffaney appeared to start signaling another no-ball, which could have resulted in Archer not being allowed to bowl again according to International Cricket Council regulations. But he seemed to check his signal. The umpires spoke to Archer and the over was called.
England batsman Joe Denly, who was fielding at leg slip, said he was surprised that Archer had attempted two successive slower balls but said he felt the second one had “just missed the stumps”.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the incident:
If Rabada did what Archer just did, the British papers would have crucified him and the ICC would’ve Probably banned him for 20 years
— Bilal 🇿🇦 (@billz_25) December 27, 2019
Actually Faf was into the Umpire's office to see the match ref. SA team manager in there as well and now Boucher too. Looks like they are furious about what happened with those last 2 balls bowled by Archer.
— stuart hess (@shockerhess) December 27, 2019
As much as I like what Jofra Archer has done for Test Cricket, I do not appreciate his lack of sportsmanship, for not apologising to Nortje for the two beamers. #SAvENG
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 27, 2019
Ball passes above the stumps hereafter. IMO that’s at least above the waist and should at least have been a no-ball.
Given the precedent set of two no-balls of this nature and it being dangerous, usually this would also have been the end of Archer for this test. pic.twitter.com/Hv3iFrfe9p
— Runningflyhalf (@Runningflyhalf) December 27, 2019
2 full tosses at Nortje's head and Archer is smiling.
Must we remind everyone about Phil Hughes.#SAVENG#PhilHughs
It's bullshit. Fine the bowler.— Cindy Poluta (@CindyPoluta) December 27, 2019
Not sure why so many want to see retribution from Nortje when he bowls to Archer in the 2nd innings!If our bowlers intentionally bowl dangerous&illegal (for good reason!) deliveries then they deserve to be banned too!Huge difference between a bouncer&a beamer! #Archertheasshat
— Sumarie 🐾🏏📚🌱 (@Sumarie_Tax_SA) December 27, 2019
After the second beamer the hand of square leg umpire went up for no ball and after protest from Archer it was not given no ball . So u can influence umpires decision by protesting 🤔🤔🤔#SAvENG
— Kapil (@kapilmsd4) December 27, 2019
How's this Archer after his first beamer no apologies then bowls another his lucky @AllanDonald33 wasn't there but he must watch out for payback time! What an idiot!!!
— Rob Louw (@roblouw6) December 27, 2019
