CRICKET: Shocking umpiring and bad batting cost NZ

The catch that was, but wasn't, but actually was... 

A terrible on field decision by the umpires that let Jayawardene off the hook in Sri Lanka's innings, wasn't enough to mask a disappointing effort by the Black Caps in their loss by 112 runs today.  The incident in question was a caught and bowled opportunity which McCullum took cleanly, but was referred as Jayawardene refused to walk and the on field umpires lacked the measure to decide.  The Third Umpire, looking at the video footage, obviously couldn't grasp the concept behind distortion involved when representing a 3D scene on a 2D plane, and based his decision on the worst possible angle, going against the Kiwi's.  Several other angles showed that McCullum had taken probably the catch of the tournament, but the one from high vantage didn't represent the situation in truth, and was the one that confused the soft little mind of the official.  The context of the decision had bigger implications than will be recognised, as at that point Jayawardene had only made 26 runs with Sri Lanka's total just past 100.  The partnership took them past 160 laying a solid platform from which to continue.  It could've meant the difference between 260 and 220, which would've put our batsmen in a completely different mindset than the one they eventually did display, which was total bafflement.

It hasn't been the first time the Sri Lankan spinners have bamboozled our batsmen, and based on today's showing it won't be the last.  In series past, we have adapted, but it has typically taken one thrashing for us to figure it out.  In a World Cup, you don't often get more than that.  Luckily in this instance we do, and thankfully won't have to face Sri Lanka in the next playoff match that awaits.  There really didn't seem to be any order or technique applied by our batsmen in operation today.  Uncertainty over spinning direction due to the doosra and whatever Mendis flicks out, was the main problem.  The sweep shot to counter this could've been employed but was only done so once by Southee, claiming a boundary for his efforts.  The others stood from the crease and dabbled, playing right into their hands, and by the 35th over it was all over.

Murali just too good.

The controversy from this match will not die down quickly with the Black Caps, no matter what they say in public.  Previously the two teams had shared an amicable and respectful playing relationship, formed in bond by the series during the Tsunami disaster in 2004, and the support and sympathy shown by our team.  The New Zealand team now however, will feel betrayed by the incident and for quite some time.  Even though it was largely the umpiring at fault, Jayawardene had the option to take McCullum's word, and did not.

Going forward, Mills and Vettori will come into the team and strengthen the bowling, and the batting will fair much better against other teams with less mystery.  If it's glory we want though, we'll likely have to do so against Sri Lanka again.  Lets hope next time, we are better prepared.