Umpire Kumar Dharmasena has admitted to making a ‘judgemental error’ in the last over of the Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand.
In bizarre circumstances, Martin Guptil’s throw deflected off Ben Stokes’ bat to the boundary as he was coming back to complete the second run.
After a consultation with fellow umpire Marais Erasmus, six runs were awarded to England.
According to the laws of the game, just five should have been given because the batsmen had not crossed when Guptil threw the ball.
That run proved decisive as England matched New Zealand’s 241 to take the game to a super over.
The hosts went on to lift the trophy in dramatic fashion at Lord’s.
Dharmasena told the Sri Lankan Sunday Times: “It’s easy for people to comment after seeing TV replay.
“I agree that there was a judgmental error when I see it on TV replays now. But we did not have the luxury of TV replays at the ground, and I will never regret the decision I made.
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“I did consult the leg umpire (Erasmus) through the communication system which is heard by all other umpires and the match referee.
“While they cannot check TV replays, they all confirmed that the batsmen have completed the second run. This is when I made my decision.
“Besides, the ICC praised me for the decision I made at that time.”
It was not the first time Dharmasena was the cause of a controversial decision during the tournament.
In England’s semi-final with Australia, he gave Jason Roy out for edging the ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Roy was furious about the decision but had to walk off and replays showed that he had in fact not touched the ball.
