Smith was out LBW to Rabada

Stoinis was out caught behind to Rabada

Australia were outplayed by South Africa in all departments

Australia were outplayed by South Africa in all departments of the game during their clash on 12th October, however there were 2 moments in the game that have led to mixed opinions. These involved the LBW dismissal of Australian batsmen Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis being ruled caught behind to South African pacer Rabada.

Australian Batsman Marnus Labuschagne who was on the non striker’s end on both occasions has opined about the dismissals although not challenging them. “It’s hard to contest technology isn’t it? That’s what it’s there for. But if you slowed it down and looked visually at it, there was the potential that it went down leg side but technology had it hitting the stumps and that’s all I’m going to say. Any time you lose Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis, I suppose there was a chance, they’re quality players and given the opportunity, they would’ve made the match much closer,” Labuschagne stated. 

Labuschagne observed that there was a clear daylight gap between the two gloves and the handle when Stoinis was adjudged caught behind. “The umpires really didn’t know what was going on. They saw what we saw. It looked like his hand was off the bat – it hit the glove. Because they didn’t go to the side on angle – Marcus and I were asking have they checked. They just saw the spike front on. But I have been into the third umpire room and the screen is big and the picture is clearer than what we have on the screen,” he stated. 

“It’s a World Cup and we don’t want small decisions that can be avoided to change the outcomes of games,” he added.