Steve Bucknor and Sachin Tendulkar. (Image Credit – X)
The younger generation may not fully realize the impact West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor has had on Indian cricket fans and Sachin Tendulkar. Now 79, Bucknor was one of the most respected umpires of his time, officiating more than 120 Test matches and serving in numerous World Cup finals.
However, he is still remembered for several controversial decisions against Tendulkar, often in big matches.One of the most famous incidents was during the Brisbane Test between India and Australia in 2003-04. Tendulkar, at the peak of his career, was given LBW by Bucknor after a loud appeal from Jason Gillespie, Adam Gilchrist and the Australian team. Tendulkar was dismissed for just three runs in the first innings – a huge shock for the fans.
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Now, 22 years later, Bucknor admits he made a mistake. He said Tendulkar should not have been awarded as the ball was clearly missing the stumps. This admission confirms what fans have long believed about one of cricket’s most controversial decisions.“Giving Sachin Tendulkar leg before wicket, and it’s about knowing it was a mistake, but to this day, every day, people talk about it,” Bucknor said in an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association.
“Why did you abandon him? Did he move out and so on? But then mistakes happen in life. I accepted that it was a mistake, and life goes on,” he added.How did the dismissal come about?During that dismissal, Sachin Tendulkar tried to leave the ball, but it hit his pad. Jason Gillespie and the Australian team appealed the ruling, and were taken out by experienced referee Steve Bucknor. However, he clearly misjudged the height of the ball.
Tendulkar misread the delivery, leaving his arms crossed, as the ball flew outside off and swung sharply to the line.When Bucknor raised his finger, Tendulkar looked shocked and in disbelief at the decision. Commentator Tony Greig described it as a “horrible decision” live on air. Replays later showed that the ball would have gone well above the stumps, proving that Bucknor’s call was a blunder that ended Tendulkar’s innings prematurely.Gregg said at the time: “This is a terrible decision. Take a look at this, look at the bounce and the movement.”