Remembering Steve bucknor

[Sandz]

The Rahul Dravid decision in the Sydney test was the worst of the lot. We would have won that match and series if not for Bucknor. Worst umpiring across the course of a match I have ever seen.

[goose]

Dont forget Benson who together with Bucknor presided over the worst umpiring ever witnessed on a cricket pitch in 2008 down under.

[R!TTER]

Well I've seen worse but this guy consistently screwed us over, almost without fail

[Kron]

2 hours ago, R!TTER said:

Well I've seen worse but this guy consistently screwed us over, almost without fail

He is bad and also michael holding. Apart from the one time when he praised indias bowling attack as the best along with AUS in 2021, he always spewed hateful comments about indians.

Edited March 6 by Kron

[mishra]

In his prime days he was very good umpire. Once he got older, his judgements were not that good. Most were honest mistakes from him. Problem was he didnt retire for very long and I suspect he thought only way to prolong his career despite his shortcomings was to side with stronger Boards in case of doubts.

[mishra]

1 hour ago, Kron said:

He is bad and also michael holding. Apart from the one time when he praised indias bowling attack as the best along with AUS in 2021, he always spewed hateful comments about indians.

Dig out the 1976 series specially below match with below scorecard

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-west-indies-1975-76-62314/west-indies-vs-india-4th-test-63162/full-scorecard

 

Not everything you will be able to google but I think Holding had a "major role" to play in both thinking ideology as well as execution of that scorecard. And when BCCI became rich and powerfull, Same players on recieving end were weilding power and hasnt forgotten it (specially Gavaskar)

 

Just a snippet from somewhere describing Day 2

Quote

Holding bowled three bouncers in an over to Gaekwad, followed by four and one beamer to Gavaskar in his next. The crowd loved it. They wanted blood. More beamers followed. Holding pretended the ball kept slipping out of his hand.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/michael-holding-runs-in-crowd-cries-knock-his-head-off/cid/1767831

Edited March 6 by mishra

[mishra]

Just for everyone to Read through the Sunny Days by Gavaskar

Quote

The fourth and final Test of the series began at Kingston's Sabina Park
on 21 April. Surprisingly, Lloyd, after winning the toss, elected to field.
This decision was apparently based on the assumption that the first
morning's wicket would give his quick bowlers the necessary assistance to
demolish the Indian batting. It did help the bowlers and the wicket was
really bouncy. Holding, in particular, was making the ball bounce from a
shade short of a good length. Anshuman Gaekwad survived a dropped
chance in the slips. When I was on 24, I turned Holding off my toes to find
Holder dropping a hot chance. At lunch we were 60 for no loss with me on
33. In the first over after lunch I hit a full toss hard back, which landed at
bowler Jullien's feet. However, he dropped it because it would have
required outstanding reflexes to pick up a catch going the other way on the
bowling follow-through.
When Holding was brought from the Radio Commentators' Box end, I
was surprised to hear the umpire say that he was going to bowl round the
wicket. His first over made his intention very clear. There were three
bouncers to Gaekwad.
When I faced Holding, I received four bouncers in an over and a beamer
which Holding pretended had slipped from his fingers. I wasn't bothered at
this stage because I thought that Holding was wasting his energy. However,
the next over from him was the same and when he again said the beamer
had slipped, I understood that this was a strategy to intimidate us. Lloyd,
fearing that his future as captain was at stake, though he had already been
appointed skipper for the team to tour England, had given us first knock,
only to find us 98 for no loss. He was not only desperate but utterly
frustrated. Obviously, this was the reason why he didn't do anything to stop
Holding from bowling so many bumpers. Maybe he himself had asked
Holding to bowl four bouncers and a beamer in an over.
When Holding pretended to be wiping his fingers to show that the ball
had really slipped, it was difficult to believe. After one over, during which
all I could do was to keep my head out of the way of the speeding ball, I
walked up to umpire Gosein to ask him the definition of intimidatory
bowling. It was during the drinks interval at the end of an over from
Holding and as I approached the umpire, I realised that this was the man
who had given those decisions in the second Test under pressure from the
crowd, and there was no hope of my getting a satisfactory response from
him. So I asked Anshuman Gaekwad to stick around and concentrate even
harder.
To call the crowd a crowd in Jamaica is a misnomer. It should be called
a mob. The way they shrieked and howled every time Holding bowled was
positively horrible. They encouraged him with shouts of Kill him, Maan!',
'Hit him Maan!', 'Knock his head off, Mike!'
Their partisan attitude was even more evident when they did not
applaud any shots we played. At one stage I even demanded claps for a
boundary shot off Daniel. All I got was laughter from the section, which
certainly hadn't graduated from the trees where they belonged. The whole
thing was not cricket. The intention certainly wasn't to get a batsman out,
but to knock him out.
Next morning while we were having a workout, Tony Cozier, the most
respected cricket writer in the West Indies, passed by and laughingly asked
me, 'Expecting applause from a Jamaican crowd?' The query speaks for
itself and should give one an idea of the character of the so-called cricketlovers
in the island.
I was bowled after lunch by a yorker from Holding, which I deflected
on to my wicket, for 66. The opening partnership was worth 136 runs – an
Indian record for first wicket against the West Indies. Mohinder Amarnath
who joined Gaekwad was unruffled and so was Anshuman. The two
youngsters struck it out and no more wickets fell by draw of stumps. We
were then 178 for one. The newspapers next day called it 'dull batting'. Of
course, the journalists ignored the fact that only sixty-seven overs were
bowled during the day and in the last thirty overs, there was no question of
the ball being hit by the bat, thanks to the tactics applied by Michael
Holding and Wayne Daniel.
The new ball which Lloyd took the next day was just the missile
Holding needed for his lethal deliveries. He slipped one out to Mohinder,
who was caught by Jullien when he deflected a delivery trying to defend his
head getting knocked off! The first ball to Vishwanath must have been the
most frightening delivery he has ever faced. It almost took his head with it.
A similar delivery after some time crushed Vishwanath's finger as he
defended his face, and Jullien again took an easy catch.
On the dot of lunch, Anshuman who had taken many blows on the body
and his hands, was hit just behind the left ear. It was yet another short ball
and it went like a guided missile knocking Anshuman's spectacles off. And,
can one guess the crowd's reaction? They were stamping their legs,
clapping and jumping with joy. The only word I can think of to describe the
behaviour of the crowd is barbarian. Here was a man seriously injured and
these barbarians were thirsting for more blood instead of expressing
sympathy, as any civilised and sporting crowd would have done.
Anshuman Gaekwad represented the splendid fighting spirit of our
team. When he was forced to retire, much against his wish, our will to fight
also got knocked out.
In the pavilion there was nobody to attend to him though an Indian
doctor examined him. There was nobody who wanted to take him to the
hospital. The Jamaican ricket authorities showed absolutely no regard for
the seriousness of the injury and their responsibility to provide medical aid.
Only when I insisted that Balu Alaganan, the team's treasurer, should go
and talk to the Jamaican cricket authorities, was there some action and
Anshu taken to the hospital for treatment. The whole thing was sickening.
Never have I seen such cold-blooded and positively indifferent behaviour of
cricket officials, and the spectators, to put it mildly, were positively
inhuman.
Manager Umrigar was already in the hospital having taken Vishwanath
for treatment when Balu Alaganan joined him with Anshuman Gaekwad.
Soon there was a third casualty when Brijesh Patel took his eyes off a ball
from Holder and had his upper lip cut open. So, he too had to go to the
hospital and had to shave part of his new-grown moustache to get his lip
stitched. When we were 306 for six Bishen declared, primarily because he
did not want to risk any more injuries, especially to our bowlers.
When the West Indies batted Fredericks found himself plumb in front of
the stumps, but was relieved to find that umpire Gosein was still in no mood
to lift his finger. The West Indies openers thus prospered; and Rowe, being
the local hero, was immune to any appeals from us. It was only when he
stepped out to Bishen, missed the ball completely and was out by a few
yards that he was given out, stumped by Kirmani. Even then, if Rowe had
showed some displeasure the umpire would have given him not out. But
Lawrence is a nice guy and he smilingly walked away.
Richards got two lives. Bishen failed to hold a hot caught-and-bowled
chance, which aggravated his finger injury. Off Bedis next ball Kirmani
dropped Richards behind the wicket. A lot of people had begun to call
Kirmani, Richards' brother, for Kirmani had let him off a few times earlier
in the series! The West Indies series was disappointing for Kirmani after his
marvellous showing in New Zealand, but there is no doubt about his ability
behind the stumps.
A further problem was created for us when Chandrasekhar injured his
left thumb in an attempt to catch Lloyd off his own bowling. Later, it was
found to be a fracture. He bowled gallantly, nevertheless, and got rid of the
troublesome Richards with a googly.
Deryck Murray found an able partner in Holding and the two added
valuable runs. Holding also got his first half century in tests, which
prompted the crowd to storm on to the field and mob him. The West Indies
were all out for 391 – a lead of 85 runs.
With just three batsmen in the team fit to bat, there was no hope of India
making a fight of it and we closed our second innings at 97 for five.
Mohinder Amarnath played a gallant innings to score 59 runs while
Vengsarkar contributed 20. It wasn't a declaration but the termination of the
innings since none of the others was fit to hold a bat. This left the West
Indies to get 12 runs to win the Test and clinch the rubber.
Madan Lal was starting to bowl at the West Indian opening

 

Edited March 6 by mishra

[Kron]

2 hours ago, mishra said:

Dig out the 1976 series specially below match with below scorecard

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-west-indies-1975-76-62314/west-indies-vs-india-4th-test-63162/full-scorecard

 

Not everything you will be able to google but I think Holding had a "major role" to play in both thinking ideology as well as execution of that scorecard. And when BCCI became rich and powerfull, Same players on recieving end were weilding power and hasnt forgotten it (specially Gavaskar)

 

Just a snippet from somewhere describing Day 2

https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/michael-holding-runs-in-crowd-cries-knock-his-head-off/cid/1767831

Great bowler but a cheater and a terrible human being.

[IndianRenegade]

whats to remember? he was a pos.

[BacktoCricaddict]

5 hours ago, mishra said:

Just for everyone to Read through the Sunny Days by Gavaskar

 

Damn.

[putrevus]

8 hours ago, mishra said:

Dig out the 1976 series specially below match with below scorecard

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-west-indies-1975-76-62314/west-indies-vs-india-4th-test-63162/full-scorecard

 

Not everything you will be able to google but I think Holding had a "major role" to play in both thinking ideology as well as execution of that scorecard. And when BCCI became rich and powerfull, Same players on recieving end were weilding power and hasnt forgotten it (specially Gavaskar)

 

Just a snippet from somewhere describing Day 2

https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/michael-holding-runs-in-crowd-cries-knock-his-head-off/cid/1767831

Not only that, Holding was a sore loser. If you watch Star sports recap of 1983 world cup with players comments, Holding  is the only player from WI who refuses to give credit to Indian team.

[coffee_rules]

On 3/5/2024 at 9:52 PM, Lord said:

lol thought he kicked the bucket. 

Was about to RIP him  

[mishra]

22 hours ago, Kron said:

Great bowler but a cheater and a terrible human being.

 

16 hours ago, putrevus said:

Not only that, Holding was a sore loser. If you watch Star sports recap of 1983 world cup with players comments, Holding  is the only player from WI who refuses to give credit to Indian team.

See, He was only 22, working under instructions of Clive Lloyd. I can only assume that since he was singled out by Gavaskar meant he behaved in a way which for anybody to see that its unacceptable and not cricket.  He should have come and personally apologised to those players who he managed to hurt using combo ob beamer and bouncers. However he kept maintaining that Indians dont know how to handle his bouncers. 1983 loss by them on a English wicket against same set of pacers means his arguement was fundamentally flawed. In 1976 as well as in 1983 as well as even Now.

 

So , No one should give him benefit of doubt for what he did in 1976 was amateurish and under Lloyd weght. But him justifying even now when he knows that players have died hit by cricket ball with no sign of repent just shows he was and still a sick man.

 

17 hours ago, BacktoCricaddict said:

Damn.

Thats why I said, Bucknor was good umpire in his early days compared the standards of the days. Also when people look at cricinfo stats, It means nothing. It doesnt says How Lille and Thompson used to overstep at will or How West Indian Great bowlers used to bowl beamers and bouncers to unprotected players or main batsmen were never given out at home specially in certain circumstances

Edited March 7 by mishra

[BacktoCricaddict]

23 minutes ago, mishra said:

 

See, He was only 22, working under instructions of Clive Lloyd. I can only assume that since he was singled out by Gavaskar meant he behaved in a way which for anybody to see that its unacceptable and not cricket.  He should have come and personally apologised to those players who he managed to hurt using combo ob beamer and bouncers. However he kept maintaining that Indians dont know how to handle his bouncers. 1983 loss by them on a English wicket against same set of pacers means his arguement was fundamentally flawed. In 1976 as well as in 1983 as well as even Now.

 

So , No one should give him benefit of doubt for what he did in 1976 was amateurish and under Lloyd weght. But him justifying even now when he knows that players have died hit by cricket ball with no sign of repent just shows he was and still a sick man.

 

Thats why I said, Bucknor was good umpire in his early days compared the standards of the days. Also when people look at cricinfo stats, It means nothing. It doesnt says How Lille and Thompson used to overstep at will or How West Indian Great bowlers used to bowl beamers and bouncers to unprotected players or main batsmen were never given out at home specially in certain circumstances

No doubt. Nostalgia is overrated.

[mishra]

16 minutes ago, BacktoCricaddict said:

No doubt. Nostalgia is overrated.

Yes, Look at Bucknor. Initially he didnt agreed but later He accepted that many of his decisions against Sachin were incorrect. He didnt say it was intentional/motivated but he atleast accepted it.

 

Compare that with Holding. He still has gumption to sit in commentary box and give lectures when he should simply pen a letter apologising for his action. It wont make things right but it will give some solace to players like Gavaskar or Fans like me that atleast Holding is not Sick any more

[Kron]

1 hour ago, mishra said:

 

See, He was only 22, working under instructions of Clive Lloyd. I can only assume that since he was singled out by Gavaskar meant he behaved in a way which for anybody to see that its unacceptable and not cricket.  He should have come and personally apologised to those players who he managed to hurt using combo ob beamer and bouncers. However he kept maintaining that Indians dont know how to handle his bouncers. 1983 loss by them on a English wicket against same set of pacers means his arguement was fundamentally flawed. In 1976 as well as in 1983 as well as even Now.

 

So , No one should give him benefit of doubt for what he did in 1976 was amateurish and under Lloyd weght. But him justifying even now when he knows that players have died hit by cricket ball with no sign of repent just shows he was and still a sick man.

 

Thats why I said, Bucknor was good umpire in his early days compared the standards of the days. Also when people look at cricinfo stats, It means nothing. It doesnt says How Lille and Thompson used to overstep at will or How West Indian Great bowlers used to bowl beamers and bouncers to unprotected players or main batsmen were never given out at home specially in certain circumstances

If they bowled bouncers and beamers which is probably the case and i agree however, why dint india bowlers do the same? Why dint they over step and bowl beamers?

[mishra]

7 minutes ago, Kron said:

If they bowled bouncers and beamers which is probably the case and i agree however, why dint india bowlers do the same? Why dint they over step and bowl beamers?

May be we were playing cricket. Not everyone is Sick. That included other bowlers like Roberts and  others in same match. I mean I regard Courtney Walsh as Best pacer and Gentleman when it came to reaction after takling a wicket. If you havent seen him during a match, Watch his reactions after getting a bat out on you tube. They may be availble

 

Read above snippet from Sunny Days. Book has many thing. It was published long back. Today it wont be published for not being PC

Edited March 7 by mishra

[Kron]

31 minutes ago, mishra said:

May be we were playing cricket. Not everyone is Sick. That included other bowlers like Roberts and  others in same match. I mean I regard Courtney Walsh as Best pacer and Gentleman when it came to reaction after takling a wicket. If you havent seen him during a match, Watch his reactions after getting a bat out on you tube. They may be availble

 

Read above snippet from Sunny Days. Book has many thing. It was published long back. Today it wont be published for not being PC

I am starting to doubt if they would be as good in current era. 

 

Kohlis peak india would pummel the same goat w.indies team in asia i feel

[LordPrabhzy]

the above snippet although from first read may sound abhorring BUT the WI team of that era gave themselves the backing to be arrogant because they were amazing at what they did.. two WC winners, Test match champion team.. aggressive, great batsmen, lethal bowlers. All this is needed to back up that arrogance.

 

Indian players now also have arrogance but nothing to back themselves with- 0 trophies in 10 years and only  test series victories in Aus. Kohli shows his fake arrogance against Aus and Eng but smiles and jokes against Pakistan. Double standard hypocrite

[mishra]

33 minutes ago, Kron said:

I am starting to doubt if they would be as good in current era. 

 

Kohlis peak india would pummel the same goat w.indies team in asia i feel

Conditions were different. They were fast. they were tall. They never lost test series for nearly a decade. They were favourites to win 1983 world Cup it wasnt to some determinationation by Kapils side and some luck. Pakistani became great side because they posed tough challenge to them.

 

So no, Peak is not a Peak unless its long period.

 

Only two Teams so far has acheved that. Australia and West Indies. Indian peak will come. But we are still some distance to go allthough we are on ascendency