Adelaide Strikers defeat Hobart Hurricanes after umpire howler

Adelaide Strikers might have upset Big Bash leaders Hobart Hurricanes to keep their finals hopes alive, but it’s a bizarre non-call by the umpire that has everyone talking. WATCH THE WIDE HERE

Adelaide Strikers opening bat Alex Carey could not believe this delivery was not called a wide.

Adelaide Strikers upset Big Bash leaders Hobart Hurricanes in Tasmania tonight, but it’s a bizarre non-call that has everyone talking.

With the Strikers still needing 57 from 61 balls, Hurricanes’ seamer David Moody sprayed a wild ball down the leg side that Strikers opening batsman Alex Carey unsuccessfully chased.

Carey looked up at the umpire expecting to see outstretched arms, indicating a wide, but they were not forthcoming.

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The umpire had deemed the ball to be legitimate, despite it almost missing the pitch.

Carey was visibly shocked by the non-call and overheard on the stump mic questioning the decision and scoffing, while Fox Cricket commentator Brett Lee was incredulous.

“What?,” Lee exclaimed.

“Hang on, I cannot believe that.

“What has just happened? That was a massive wide.

“That would have been a wide in Test cricket.”

Former Victorian wicketkeeper Darren Berry couldn’t believe his eyes either:

Great call Andrew Symonds that is one of the most astonishing things I’ve ever seen. How can you be umpiring at this level & miss that call. It’s just unacceptable - no excuses just a WIDE 😂😂

— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) January 31, 2019

And fans quickly took to Twitter to pan the decision.

That wide not being called against Moody ... speechless. Just an absolute howler of a non-decision. Some of the umpiring in this year's BBL has been embarrassing in its ineptitude. #BBL08

— Brad Henderson (@bradhendosports) January 31, 2019

There’s been some really weird non wide decisions this tournament but that takes the cake.
Wtf was that decision??????#BBL08

— Tom O'Neil (@thomasjameoneil) January 31, 2019

How was that not a wide?????? pic.twitter.com/dxzLLdzXjR

— Nicky (@nicky_2901) January 31, 2019

That was a Test match wide! #BBL08

— Nick Holloway (@NickHolloway3) January 31, 2019

Carey partnered with Jake Weatherald to keep the defending champions’ BBL finals hopes alive, chasing down the target of 170 with 13 balls to spare.

Weatherald smacked 82 from 42 balls, while Carey hit 54 from 35 to breathe new life into the Strikers’ season.

In pursuit of Hobart’s 7-169, the openers combined for a century stand that included 86 runs off the first six overs Weatherald had a reprieve on 30 when he was dropped by Jofra Archer at mid-off.

Strikers opener Jake Weatherald was at his brilliant best. Picture: Getty Images

Carey was dismissed caught-and-bowled by Simon Milenko in the 10th over and Weatherald holed out three overs later but, by then, the damage had been done.

Jonathan Wells (19 not out) and skipper Colin Ingram (two not out) guided the Strikers home.

The seven-wicket win means the Strikers are just two points behind the Melbourne Stars in fourth spot and remain a mathematical chance of making the finals with two games to play.

The Hurricanes posted 7-169 after being sent in to bat at UTAS Stadium, with skipper Matthew Wade top scoring with 88 off 54 balls.

Hobart looked on track for a massive total in front of a home crowd of 13,846 but stumbled late, losing 5-19 within the final four overs.

Hurricane Matthew Wade recorded his highest Big Bash score, but it wasn’t enough. Picture: Getty Images

Ben Laughlin (3-31) was the pick of the Adelaide attack, while Afghan spinner Rashid Khan and Michael Neser picked up two wickets each.

Wade combined for a 59-run stand with D’Arcy Short, who was caught at cover off Laughlin for 26 from 19 balls.

Wade was dropped on 40 in the outfield by Neser off Laughlin. He also skied a ball on 86 that should have been taken before being trapped in front by Laughlin the next ball.

The Hurricanes, who are a win clear atop the table, have now lost two of their past three matches.

—With AAP

Launceston lit up for the Big Bash, but the Hurricanes couldn’t do the job for the home crowd. Picture: Getty Images

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Originally published as Adelaide Strikers defeat Hobart Hurricanes after umpire howler