• Warne, Hussain: Horrific, shocking umpiring

    Former Test cricketers Shane Warne and Nasser Hussain have heavily criticised umpires Joel Wilson and Aleem Dar on day one of the Ashes series opener at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Thursday.

    England required reviews to remove opener David Warner and middle-order batsmen Travis Head and Matthew Wade.

    Earlier, Warner should have been given out for a first-ball duck after edging the ball to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

    Later, tail-ender James Pattinson was dismissed lbw despite television replays insisting the ball would have missed the stumps. Fellow tail-ender Peter Siddle had an lbw decision overturned after replays revealed a thick inside edge.

    ‘England are bowling very well. The umpiring has been horrific from ball one and so has the reviews process of the right ones from Australia. And the batting has lacked any intent as the Australians have looked nervous,’ tweeted Warne.

    Hussain added: ‘The umpires have had a shocking day. We all know it’s a difficult job but it’s been really poor.’

    Siddle capitalised on the reprieve during an 88-run partnership for the ninth wicket alongside batsman Steven Smith. Siddle eventually perished for 44 – his fourth-highest score in Test cricket. He had collected 51 and 50 against India in Delhi in 2013, and 49 versus New Zealand in Wellington in 2016.

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    SA CRICKET