Australian cricketer, Matthew Wade’s actions during the first T20I against England on Sunday, October 9 at the Perth Stadium came under scrutiny. He tried to block England bowler Mark Wood from taking a return catch in the match, which sparked controversy on social media. However, the wicket-keeper batter wasn’t declared out.
The incident took place in the second innings when Australia was chasing 209 runs in 20 overs. In the 17th over, Matthew Wade tried to play a pull shot but top-edged the delivery. The ball going straight up in the air. Bowler, Mark Wood tried to get under the ball to complete the catch.
However, Matthew Wade tried to block Wood by pulling his left arm across in front of the bowler. The pacer couldn’t complete the catch as he was obstructed by Wade. England’s team looked unhappy with Wade’s actions. However, they did not appeal for dismissal, letting Wade go away.
Watch the incident here:
𝐎𝐔𝐓 or 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐓? 🤔
Chaos in the middle as @MAWood33's attempt to take a catch off his own bowling was impeded by Matthew Wade at the striker's end 😶
What do you think should have been the decision? 🏏#AUSvENG #MarkWood #MatthewWade #SonySportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/21KmcrNap5
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 10, 2022
Matthew Wade was finally dismissed in the final over by Sam Curran for 21 runs off 15 deliveries. Australia managed 200 runs in their 20 overs, falling nine runs short of the winning target. Matthew Wade was widely criticized by fans on social media.
Let’s take a look at how fans reacted to Matthew Wade obstructing Mark Wood from taking a catch:
Good morning to everyone except Matthew Wade 😂 pic.twitter.com/ffD1qtTNcZ
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) October 10, 2022
In case you weren't sure what an Aussie cheat looks like.
Wade you absolute disgrace #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/u3pwz0Rcx6— Ian B (@ijbrads66) October 9, 2022
The CEO of Sportsman Spirit, M Wade, stopping M Wood from catching the ball!!
The OZs@azkhawaja1 pic.twitter.com/zAsJl6gpqz— WaQas Ahmad (@waqasaAhmad8) October 9, 2022
Why was Wade not given out? https://t.co/aiKA4tlw1c
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 9, 2022
Interesting Spirit of cricket talk Wade didn't know where the ball was but he did put his hand to stop Wood.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 9, 2022
English players are a prime example of double standards. They cried almost whole week on Deepti Sharma running out Charlie Dean but are silent on Matthew Wade. Isn’t it a simple case of racism where they see the colour only?#Wade #EngvsAus
— Suraj Pandey (@ferrarinotfiat) October 9, 2022
Matthew Wade clearly obstructed Mark Wood. He may not have known where the ball was, but he definitely stuck his arm out to stop Wood #AUSvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/0AG8Y92yKF
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 9, 2022
You can’t do what Matthew Wade did last night. It’s out. Simple as that. #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/9paRHLs5MC
— Adam White (@White_Adam) October 9, 2022
Are our English friends (the custodians of the Spirit of the Game) quiet on this? https://t.co/yseC13fSdZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 9, 2022
Matthew Wade proving that the Australians are basically a team of cheaters pic.twitter.com/3pNRThczal
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) October 9, 2022
It was hard because I didn’t know what I was appealing for: Jos Buttler
England skipper Jos Buttler expressed that he might have considered appealing for Matthew Wade’s dismissal if it was a high-stakes contest. Buttler was asked by the umpires whether he wanted to appeal, but he declined.
Speaking at the end of the match, butter said, “I was looking at the ball the whole time, so I wasn’t sure what happened. They asked if I wanted to appeal, but I thought we are here for a long time in Australia so would be a risky one to go for so early in the trip.”
“It was hard because I didn’t know what I was appealing for. I could have asked some of the other boys to see if they had a better view but thought I would get on with the game,” he added.
