Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan dismissed off ‘clear no ball’

A gallant fightback on day one of their Test series with Pakistan has been overshadowed by a stunning umpiring decision which left Australian greats admitting the tourists had been robbed.

Pat Cummins appeared to have bowled a no-ball, but the decision was not overturned.

• Pressure mounts on Cricket Australia over ‘best pitch in world’
• The barriers freakish Smith could clear

A man versus machine debate erupted at the Gabba on Thursday as angry bowling greats declared Pakistan were “robbed” by an umpiring howler.

Brett Lee questioned whether the TV Umpire might have even misinterpreted the rules in giving Pat Cummins the green light for a crucial caught behind wicket which appeared to come off a front-foot no ball.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal TV Umpire Michael Gough ultimately explained his decision not to overturn on the fact the bowler should be given the “benefit of the doubt”, because he could not be 100 per cent certain a smidgen of Cummins’ boot was not behind the line.

Stream the Australia v Pakistan Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly>

A miffed Muhammad Rizwan walks off the pitch after being dismissed. Picture: Getty

All-time greats including Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Allan Border and Michael Vaughan were adamant flying Pakistan batsman Mohammad Rizwan was stitched up by an embarrassing example of technology failing cricket and should have been called back to the crease to continue on.

Adding to the confusion of the bizarre review was Lee’s belief in Fox Cricket commentary that he had overheard the umpires stating down the mic that Cummins’ foot only needed to be on the line, when the law actually insists that a piece must be behind the crease.

Pat Cummins appeared to have bowled a no-ball, but the decision was not overturned.

Pakistan only had themselves to blame losing 5-19 in the middle session having built a solid opening platform, but Warne said Rizwan’s (37 off 34) promising recovery mission was unfairly ended.

“I don’t think there was any doubt whatsoever,” said Warne on Fox Cricket.

“It’s pretty simple for me. It was a no (ball). I’m Feeling for Pakistan there. I think they were robbed.”

Cummins reacts after his wicket was checked then cleared for a front foot no ball. Picture: Getty

Pakistan were left reeling at 6-143 by the decision to dispatch Rizwan. Although Asad Shafiq still fought hard to lift his side into a strong position.

“We’re just hearing through on my in ears that the third umpire has said if his foot’s on the line (and) it’s a fair delivery,” said champion fast bowler Brett Lee.

“Now I don’t think that’s correct. Some part of your foot must land behind the line.

“You can clearly see there as the rubber has landed it’s all in the white zone.

“The white zone is owed to the batsman, anything behind is the bowler. To me that is an illegal delivery.”

Cummins celebrates the wicket before it was checked by the third umpire. Picture: Getty

Ricky Ponting said on Channel 7 that he was also convinced that Cummins’ should have had the wicket taken off him.

“I cannot see how any part of his foot lands behind the line,” said Ponting.

Glenn McGrath was the one commentary voice going the other way, arguing on 7 that “there’s definitely just a millimetre behind the line … it’s when the foot first hits.”