Ian Smith slammed Tim Southee. Photo: AP
England pacer Gus Atkinson created history against New Zealand and became the first bowler to take a hat-trick at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The right-arm pacer finished NZ's innings with wickets of Nathan Smith, Matt Henry and Tim Southee to complete his hat-trick. Atkinson's celebration was cut short as Southee challenged the umpire's decision.
The number 11 batsman seemingly knew he was out as he was walking towards the pavilion even before the third umpire confirmed the decision. In fact, there was no one on the field when the final decision was announced.
Ian Smith was disappointed with Southee's act and said that it was against the Spirit of the Game. The veteran commentator added that it was ridiculous to take the review. "It is a moment but it's going to be spoiled by a review. Let's hope England keep celebrating because New Zealand have reviewed this, and they are walking off at the same time which I think is against the spirit of the game. To be perfectly honest I think it is. If you're walking off, you know you're out, so why delay the celebration? That is absolutely stone motherless plumb. It slows the game down, it puts the celebration on hold and it shouldn't," Smith said.
"This is a famous moment in cricket, famous for this kid. Absolutely brilliant at the Basin Reserve, the bizarre thing is, they haven't even given it out on the field yet. He's given it out and there's no one on the field. That is how ridiculous that is. It sums up the ridiculous nature of the review from New Zealand. He gave that man out when they were off in the dressing room. I have never seen anything like that."
Atkinson and Brydon Carse took four wickets each as New Zealand were bowled out for 125. England, who scored 280 in the first innings, finished the day with a score of 378/5 in just 76 overs. England have a huge 533-run lead after the play of two days and NZ will have to pull off a miracle to avoid a defeat here.
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