DIRTY TACTIC IS AT ROOT OF ISSUE
ENGLAND cricket captain Joe Root has hit back at anyone questioning his integrity after taking a controversial catch that threatened to mar an unforgettable final day at Lord’s in London.
Root dived forward at midwicket to take the catch to dismiss “concussion sub” Marnus Labuschagne for 59 as he led the Aussies’ fight towards the ultimate conclusion of a draw.
Labuschagne looked unhappy with the decision, which was only reached after beleaguered TV umpire Joel Wilson couldn’t find conclusive evidence to overturn the “soft” decision of out from on-field umpire Aleem Dar.
Australian captain Tim Paine said the issue was “irrelevant”, while Root said he would never try to “cheat the game”.
He exchanged words with Labuschagne after the dismissal was confirmed but said he simply told the Australian that he had caught it. “You can feel your fingers underneath the ball,” Root said yesterday.
“You look at ‘slo-mos’ (replays) and they always look worse than they are. As a fielder, you know if your fingers are under the ball.
“I clearly felt that was the case. I’m an honest guy, I am not going to try to cheat the game, regardless of the situation.
“It is quite disappointing when it’s slowed down and people start to question your integrity.
“We play the game in a certain way and that’s the right way.”
Paine said he could only make a decision on the replays he saw and his own experiences in the field.
“I know what it is like when you are in Joe’s position being a wicketkeeper or a fielder,” Paine said. “You dive forward, you feel the ball hit your hands and you catch it.
“He thought he caught it. You can make your own opinions from what you saw on the TV. I am not going to comment on it.”