BBL13: Melbourne Stars batter Sam Harper given out stumped in decision which splits greats, fans

Two Australian cricket greats are divided over a controversial on-field dismissal which continued a horror run of outs for one of Melbourne Stars’ openers.

Sam Harper batting in Albury against the Thunder. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Big Bash League umpiring is in the spotlight for the second time this week after a controversial decision which divided two ex-Australian players.

Melbourne Stars keeper-batsman Sam Harper was given out stumped by the square leg umpire during against Sydney Thunder despite replays hinting he made his ground.

Harper swivelled after missing a ball from Thunder captain Chris Green and appeared to make his ground just as Cameron Bancroft whipped off the bails.

Sam Harper stumped by Cameron Bancroft.

The incident was not sent to the third umpire to be checked.

“One thing I like is that the umpire just raised the digit straight away,” Brett Lee said on Fox Cricket.

“That’s a great decision … I think it’s out.”

A great piece of work by Bancroft behind the stumps, and the square leg umpire gives it out... #BBL13pic.twitter.com/KtAXl1h5GJ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 23, 2023

But former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was not convinced.

“I think the bat is down. Oh well, he’s out anyway,” Haddin said.

Lee later added: “I don’t want to harp on this decision, Sam Harper’s decision, (but) if it’s not out and we are going to agree that it’s not out, why can’t they call him back?”

One fan tweeted Harper was “clearly not out”, while another described it as a “brilliant piece of work” from Bancroft.

It comes after Sydney Sixers star Tom Curran was suspended for four matches for alleged umpire intimidation.

Harper has endured a horror start to BBL13 after moving from Melbourne Renegades to the Stars.

After three innings, he has made 10 runs.

Originally published as BBL13: Melbourne Stars batter Sam Harper given out stumped in decision which splits greats, fans