The conclusion of New Zealand's first innings of the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington caused a controversy when Tim Southee took a DRS review while the English players were celebrating his dismissal, which was also the team's last wicket.
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England's Gus Atkinson picked up a hat-trick when he cleaned up the home side's tailenders, to become the 15th English bowler to take 3 wickets on the trot in Test cricket.
He is also in an exclusive list of players who have taken a 10-wicket haul, a hat-trick and scored a century in Tests.
Atkinson removed Nathan Smith and Matt Henry in the previous two deliveries, while Southee was the third and final victim as the Blackcaps were bowled out for 125 runs.
Why was Tim Southee's review deemed to be against the Spirit of the game?
Southee's LBW decision was clear as the ball smashed plumb into the middle of the pads. The English players were engaged in a jubilant celebration, however, the New Zealand player decided to take the review, as the option was rightly available.
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The decision to take a review when Kiwis were bowled out and with being a clear LBW, seemed unnecessary and New Zealand commentator Ian Smith was quick to call out the veteran bowler.
Speaking on Sports Nation NZ radio commentary, Smith said:
"It is a moment but it's going to be spoiled by a review. Let's hope England keep celebrating because New Zealand have reviewed this, and they are walking off at the same time which I think is against the spirit of the game. To be perfectly honest I think it is. If you're walking off, you know you're out, so why delay the celebration? That is absolutely stone motherless plumb. It slows the game down; it puts the celebration on hold, and it shouldn't."
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"This is a famous moment in cricket, famous for this kid. Absolutely brilliant at the Basin Reserve, the bizarre thing is, they haven't even given it out on the field yet. He's given it out and there's no one on the field. That is how ridiculous that is. It sums up the ridiculous nature of the review from New Zealand. He gave that man out when they were off in the dressing room. I've never seen anything like that," he added.
Gus Atkinson made history at the Basin Reserve today, but the moment was ruined by a unnecessary review that has Smithy heated 😤
— Sport Nation NZ (@SportNationNZ) December 6, 2024
Was it against the spirit of the game when they were already walking off?#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/BehfUyswiI
While the third umpire was reviewing the LBW call, the English players did not wait for the decision and had already begun walking out of the ground, to the dressing room.
As expected, the big screen displayed 'Out' and the on-field umpire's call remained and none of the players had to return back on to the field.
