'I’d love to see their stats come up' - David Warner makes intriguing suggestion after controversial lbw dismissal in AUS vs SL 2023 ODI World Cup match

Australia opening batter David Warner was not at all pleased with the umpire's decision to rule him out in the 2023 World Cup match against Sri Lanka on Monday. Warner was the victim of a marginal lbw call and he was furious on his way back to the dugout, even slamming his bat once he was back in the dressing room. 

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Chasing 210 runs in Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium, Australia got off to a strong start but Warner's controversial dismissal disrupted their momentum. Dilshan Madushanka's first delivery of the 4th over nipped back and hit the pads of Warner. The left-handed batter immediately went for a review and ball-tracking suggested the ball clipped the leg-stump. The on-field umpire was late to raise the finger, however, the decision was upheld and Australia lost their first wicket. 

There has to be some accountability: Warner's message to umpires 

Warner was not impressed with the umpiring, seen sitting in the changing room with a frustrated face. He could even be seen checking the replays from the Australian dugout over and over again. Two days after the incident, the 36-year-old couldn't let it go as he was suggested to show the umpire's stats on the big screen. He wants umpires to be held accountable for wrong decisions just like players. 

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“I think in terms of what I’d like to see, this probably won’t get across but players’ stats go up on the board as you walk out to bat. When they announce the umpires they come up on the screen. I’d love to see their stats come up on the board as well. We see that in the National Rugby League (NRL). I know this is a world game but NRL shows those stats. I think the NFL shows those stats. I think it’s a great thing for the spectators to see that as well,” Warner said. 

“You definitely know which umpires are going to give those 50-50 ones when it hits the pad, and that’s where from my perspective it gets frustrating. There’s no bias in anything. It’s just that you feel that as a player sometimes. There has to be some accountability. If you get a decision wrong, just accept it and apologise. Obviously, players get dropped for poor performances. It’s never explained to us what goes on with the panel (of umpires) as well. So (stats are) just an indicator," he added. 

Australia lost Steve Smith's wicket in the same over and Sri Lanka smelled a collapse. However, Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship to secure Australia's first win of the tournament. Their next match is against Pakistan on October 20 at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

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