England has pipped Australia at the Trent Bridge stumps to win the first of five Ashes series tests by a margin of 14 runs amid controversy surrounding the impact of technology on umpiring decisions throughout the last five days of play. The final day was closed out with a dramatic appeal, a ‘not out’ decision, a referral and an overturning of last man standing Brad Haddin.
Elsewhere technology continued to make its presence felt in the gentleman’s game after Adam Gilchrist joined Twitter this weekend to make a direct plea to a parody Adam Gilchrist account to stop fronting, issuing a statement saying:
“It has come to my attention that a fake Twitter account in my name has been making comments regarding the Stuart Broad catch [on the third day of] the first Test. I am concerned that some overseas media organisations have attributed these quotes to me. Some of these fake Twitter posts may have serious legal consequences.”
“While I understand the value of social media I am not on Twitter and have made no comments regarding the Stuart Broad incident,” Gilchrist said in reference to England’s Broad, who made the controversial decision not to walk after being caught by Michael Clarke – a decision which could not be appealed on account of Australia having already used up their two reviews.
The comments wrongly attributed to Gilchrist, whose views on walking are best described as being ‘honestly, pretty in favour of’, include:
Disappointed by the Poms today, if you’re out – you walk #shameful
— Adam Gilchrist (@AdamCGilchrist) July 12, 2013
Some people saying, you rely on the umpire – no you don’t – you reply on honesty #spiritofthegame
— Adam Gilchrist (@AdamCGilchrist) July 12, 2013
So I’m learning the Poms are happy to win by cheating #interesting #spiritofthegame
— Adam Gilchrist (@AdamCGilchrist) July 12, 2013
Soon after, Gilchrist set up his own account to plead with the parody account to stahp, pls, writing: “AdamCGilchrist this is Adam Gilchrist here. Stop pretending to be me. I know you say ‘parody’ on your profile but now its [sic] gone too far.”
“Press are now reporting your fake quotes to me. Hence legal action is underway”
“I have never been on twitter and only now to try and stop you. Show some respect, enough now.”
The Real Adam Gilchrist account has since been removed. The popular parody remains active.
The second Ashes Agar test takes place on Thursday at Lords. Queen Liz will be there if she isn’t up to her elbows in Royal Baby sick.
Photo: Gareth Copley via Getty
