SYDNEY – Australian debutant Michael Beer was denied his maiden test wicket in the most gut-wrenching fashion by a no-ball call on Tuesday but the way he responded was a big positive, according to team mate Mitchell Johnson.
England opener Alastair Cook had just passed 600 runs for the series and was heading towards a half century on 43 when Beer tempted him into a shot which ballooned into the air and was caught by Ben Hilfenhaus.
Cook walked but umpire Billy Bowden called him back and checked with the third umpire, who confirmed that Beer had overstepped the crease. “You could see the reaction on his face when he was called for it,” Johnson said. “It was disappointing for him that he couldn’t claim his first wicket, and it would have been a good wicket to get being Cook.
“I think the way he handled himself after that and the way he bowled, was good signs for us. Johnson had a similar experience in the Melbourne test when he thought he had Matt Prior out for five only for a no ball to be called on review and the English wicketkeeper to go on to make 85. Johnson said umpires should call a no-ball when they see it rather than relying on a referral as in the case of Cook’s ‘life’ on Tuesday.
