Former Australian umpire Lou Rowan dies at the age of 91

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Lou Rowan
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Lou Rowan. (Photo Source: Warwick Daily News)

Former Australian umpire Lou Rowan who was at the centre of controversy during the 1971 Ashes series died at the age of 91. He was remembered for his dubious decision-making in the 1971 Ashes series where he also warned English fast bowler John Snow for bowling a barrage of short deliveries to Australia’s Terry Jenner. Following the incident, a member from the crowd caught hold of Snow while fielding near the boundary cushions and captain Ray Illingworth walked out from the ground along with his team.

Not a single Australian batsman was adjudged LBW during the course of those 6 tests which made the England players furious. Following the incident, Rowan asked Illingworth and his team to return to the ground or face forfeiture for the very first time in Test history. It wasn’t to be as Illingworth and his men returned and the match continued as per schedule.

Rowan in his memoir titled the “Umpires’ Story” stated that he didn’t regret any of the decisions or actions displayed by him during that eventful day. “It is not a happy thought that, as an umpire, I might have been the spark to explode Anglo-Australian Test cricket relations to smithereens,” Rowan wrote. “But I have no regrets for my part in the affair; I would act no differently in similar circumstances now, whether at club or international cricket level,” Rowan wrote.

During the first Test match of the series, Aussie batsman Keith Stackpole was clearly short of his crease by a considerable distance by a throw of Geoffrey Boycott but was adjudged not out by Rowan. Media across the world termed the decision as “the worst ever in cricket history” the next day and also added evidence to prove their claim. To add to England’s misery Stackpole went on to complete his maiden double century of his career.

Also read: Virat Kohli shares an emotional video of his journey from an aspirant to Indian skipper

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