New Delhi, Feb 24 (.) Former West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor has admitted that he made a mistake in giving India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar out leg-before wicket during the 2003–04 Brisbane Test against Australia, a controversial decision that continues to be discussed even today.
Speaking in an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association, Bucknor acknowledged the mistake.
“Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg before wicket, and it’s a matter of knowing that it was a mistake, but until this day, every day, people talk about it,” he said.
“Why did I give him out? Was he out and so on? But then in life, mistakes happen. I have accepted that it was a mistake, and life goes on,” he added.
The controversial decision came during the Brisbane Test when Tendulkar, then at the peak of his career, was given out LBW for just three runs after the ball struck his pads while he attempted to leave the delivery.
Bowler Jason Gillespie and the Australian players appealed, and Bucknor raised his finger, even as Tendulkar appeared visibly surprised.
Television replays later suggested the ball would have passed well over the stumps. In commentary, Tony Greig reacted strongly, saying, “That is a dreadful decision. Have a look at this, look at the bounce and movement.”
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