Usman Khawaja fumes as Strikers awarded contentious catch in thrilling BBL final
Usman Khawaja was left fuming at a contentious call that helped lead to his Sydney Thunder being eliminated from the Big Bash League race.
The Thunder lost to Adelaide Strikers by six runs in a thriller last night.
But the men in green were hard done by when Khawaja was given out early in their innings, caught by Fawad Ahmed off the bowling of Matt Short.
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The on-field umpire wasn't sure if Ahmed had caught the ball cleanly, and so sent it to a vide review. But he had to give a soft signal upon referring it, which he gave as out.
Several replays could barely determine if Ahmed had his fingers under the ball or whether it touched the grass. The third umpire did not have enough evidence to overturn the soft signal, and so Khawaja was sent packing for 23.
Fawad Ahmed was awarded this catch, to the ire of Usman Khawaja. Supplied
The Thunder fell only six runs short of the 185 they needed for victory, and to progress to the semi final.
Khawaja was interviewed about the decision and did not shy away from his assessment.
"No I didn't think I was out," Khawaja said.
"I thought at the end of the day the soft signal cost me. I've never been a big fan of the soft signal.
"When they give it out on the field it makes it hard to overturn.
"I said to the umpires on the field that I can't believe a blade of grass didn't touch the ball because that is all it takes.
"It looked like a blade of grass 100 per cent touched the ball. I'll accept the umpire's decision, but I don't agree with it."
It's likely the third umpire would have given the catch not out, if the on-field umpire did not have to make a soft signal. If the on-field umpire said not out that would have remained the decision, and Khawaja would have batted on.
"They didn't really give me a direct answer and I told them that, but I had to accept the decision," Khawaja said.
"I didn't think it was out live. If I did I would have just walked off. I've got no issue if I see a ball and think 'that looks out' I'll just walk off, but it just looked like it bounced to me.
"As a fielder I know you don't always know. You feel like - and even I have felt like - I have caught a few balls that bounced in front of me.
"I'm not questioning Fawad, I just thought it bounced."
Cricket legend Michael Vaughan also spoke out against the soft signal rule.
"It has always been a talking point since they brought in the soft signal, whether it is right or wrong, and on this occasion it went against Usman," Vaughan said.
"I've never really been a great fan of the soft signal... just use the technology."
The Strikers will take on the Sixers on Wednesday night, with the winner to play Perth Scorchers in the decider on Friday.
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