Technology error stumps M.S. Dhoni

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC:

West Indies were fortunate to have gained the scalp of India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni cheaply in his side's first innings of the current second Test here.

The International Cricket Council disclosed yesterday that an error on the first day by IMG Media, the television host broadcaster, led to the wrong replay being shown to the third umpire during a review of a no-ball.

"The host broadcaster for this series, IMG Media, acknowledged the mistake and has apologised," said Match Referee Chris Broad in an ICC media release.

"Having looked into the situation, I am satisfied it was an unfortunate, but honest mistake in what is a tense, and live environment."

During India's innings, Dhoni was out caught at mid-on off Fidel Edwards in the 59th over.

Correct procedure

The ICC said that on-field umpire Ian Gould followed the correct protocols, when he suspected that the delivery may have been a no-ball, and sought confirmation from the TV Replay Umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

"It is worth pointing out that the umpires followed the correct procedures and are without blame in this matter," said Broad.

Upon review, the delivery Brathwaite was shown by the host broadcaster was legitimate, and so Dhoni was given out.

It was subsequently discovered that Brathwaite had been shown the wrong replay, and that the delivery that led to Dhoni's dismissal should indeed have been called a no-ball.

Broad, however, ruled out any kind of reprieve for Dhoni.

"Seeing as the game has continued, clearly there is no opportunity to reverse the decision," he said.

"We are forced now to put it behind us, and move on with the remainder of the match."

Dhoni also had the misfortune of being dismissed off a no-ball in the second innings of the first Test, when the umpires missed leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo cutting the return crease with his back leg.

In its release, the ICC noted that if the series had the controversial Decision Review System in operation, one of its officials would have been monitoring the broadcast, but IMG were prepared to admit to the error.

"IMG Media takes its responsibilities on this matter very seriously," the spokesman said in the ICC media release.

"This was a case of human error, compounded by a senior replay operative having to return home at very short notice."