Players from a suburban cricket game are under investigation after an umpire walked off the field during play.
Players from St Davids Cricket Club in Donvale, Victoria, were left fuming at the on-field umpire after their appeal wasn’t given out when the opposing batter appeared to edge one to their wicketkeeper.
With the umpire refusing to signal out, players from the Donvale-based club were heard voicing their displeasures before the official decided to defuse the situation by walking away.
St Davids’ match with Bulleen Templestowe Cricket Club didn’t resume play after the umpire walked away.
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Nine News reporter Mimi Becker reports that an investigation has been launched, with some players currently facing suspension.
Former ICC umpire Simon Taufel, who won five ICC Umpire of the Year awards during his career before retirement in 2012, said it was a bad look for the sport.
“It’s a shame to see player behaviour get to the stage where an on-field umpire feels they need to leave the field and leave the players to it,” he told Nine News.
“Very disappointed and shocked.”
In a statement from Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association (BHRDCA), who runs the competition, the umpire involved has yet to make a formal complaint.
“The umpire has not reported that he was threatened, abused or harassed,” the statement read.
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