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Cummins' eye-opening confession after 'dodgy' act in World Test Championship final
Pat Cummins has admitted he would have withdrawn an appeal for obstructing the field had the Aussies made an enquiry about the actions of David Bedingham on day two of the World Test Championship final. There was a spot of mild controversy on Thursday at Lord's after Bedingham "panicked" and grabbed the ball with his hand after inside-edging it into his pads.
The ball got caught up in the flap of the South African's right pad, which would be a dead-ball if it got wedged in there. However replays appeared to show the ball was still moving around when Bedingham grabbed it and dropped it on the ground, denying Alex Carey the chance to complete a catch.
Usman Khawaja was animated at first-slip and appeared to suggest the Aussies should appeal, while Carey walked away and didn't want to get involved after his controversial (but completely legal) stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The umpires got together and were satisfied Bedingham hadn't done anything illegal, allowing him a huge reprieve.
The fact the ball was still moving when Bedingham touched it suggests the Aussies would have had a fair case, but Cummins admitted after the day's play he would have withdrawn any appeal that ensued. England condemned Cummins for not withdrawing his appeal of the infamous stumping of Bairstow two years ago, but the Aussie captain said on Thursday night would have allowed Bedingham to remain at the crease if the umpires had given him out.
'The umpires said it was dead-ball first of all, but I think we would have withdrawn,' Cummins said. The decision could prove costly for Australia, with South Africa's No.6 adding 14 more runs before being dismissed for 45.
Runs have been at a premium at Lord's, with Australia limping to 8-144 in their second innings after bowling the Proteas out for 138 in the first. The Aussies made 212 while batting first and held a lead of 218 at stumps on day two.
A relieved Bedingham said he was appreciative that the Aussies didn't embroil him in another controversial dismissal, admitting his actions might have looked "dodgy". He said: 'I panicked big time because I think Carey was standing up, so he was quite close.
'The umpires said regardless it was dead-ball, but the way I dropped the ball, picked up the ball came across a bit dodgy. I am glad they withdrew their appeal because there's more controversy in that kind of stuff. I am glad nothing happened after it really. I just think the slip cordon told me, 'Don't panic, leave it', but in the moment I panicked big time.'
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Stuart Broad was in commentary for Sky Sports and was quick to point out Carey's reaction. Broad was incredulous with the stumping of Bairstow at the same ground two years ago.
"I wonder if Alex Carey just said 'I'm not getting involved'," Broad said. "I think what we're looking for here is, if there's been an inside edge, Carey was running around and would've been able to catch the ball. The ball never stopped. It was always moving."
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