Review to follow BBL ref’s error

CRICKET Australia has blamed human error for Wednesday night’s embarrassing Big Bash League umpire bungle.

Third umpire Greg Davidson ruled Brisbane Heat’s James Pattinson was run out after big-screen replays showed otherwise.

The decision stunned players, on-field officials and a booing Gabba crowd.

It prompted Adelaide to withdraw their appeal, at the suggestion of pace bowler Ben Laughlin, to ensure Pattinson stayed in.

Cricket Australia said Davidson made a rare mistake and the officiating during the match would be reviewed under normal protocol.

Davidson will officiate next during the Sixers-Scorchers clash tomorrow night.

“The third umpire thought it was out because the bat wasn’t grounded,” CA said.

“We experienced some comms issues between the third and field umpires, who thought it was a mistake. When it panned out a little longer the Strikers withdrew their appeal and asked the batsman to stay. The right decision reached.”

Laughlin said he wasn’t sure why Pattinson was given out.

“I think the common-sense rule needed to come in, and we finally got there in the end,” Laughlin said.

“I think it was our last option to get it done, so we offered to withdraw the appeal and we moved on.”