Spidercam controversy after Smith drops Rahul

Sydney, Jan 8: Australian skipper Steve Smith dropped Indian batsman Lokesh Rahul and then appeared to suggest that the ball hit the wire attached to the Spidercam which put him off on the third day of the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Thursday. According to the Herald Sun, India was 113 for two when the incident took place in the fifth ball of the 53rd over.

Rahul, batting on 46, top–edged a delivery from all–rounder Shane Watson. The youngster went onto score his maiden ton (110).

However, a joint statement from Channel Nine and the Australian Cricket Board said that the ball did not hit any part of the cam equipment but that Smith was put off as it was in the same vicinity as the ball.

Commentators Shane Warne and Ian Healy turning up for Channel nine also believed that the ball did not strike the Spidercam and the skipper might have lost it in the sun.

“Reports we’re getting is that it might have distracted him,” Warne said.

“I don’t think it hit the wire. I just think he lost it in the sun,” he added.

About two hours later, Channel Nine and CA put out a statement explaining the incident.

“We (CA & Nine) have spoken about the matter involving Spidercam and the dropped catch before lunch and it’s clear the ball did not hit the camera or its supporting wires,” the joint statement read.

“Captain Steve Smith was distracted by one of the wires in his eye line. Both CA and Nine will continue to work together on the use of Spidercam in the broadcast coverage and will take on board any player feedback as necessary. As it stands, if any player has a concern about the placement of Spidercam they can ask the umpires for it to be moved.” IANS