ICC might now look at the possibility of adding new mode of dismissal in the rule books - Bucknored. This is the mode that genuinely describes Rahul Dravid's dismissal on Sunday.
Bucknor's decision to rule Rahul Dravid out caught behind when the bat was nowhere near the ball was so shockingly poor that even a normally cool Dravid was forced to utter - "How many more.....?"
As Harsha Bhogle promptly put it, this was the question whole India was asking - "How many more, Mr.Bucknor?" The same Bucknor had earlier failed to hear a thick edge from Andrew Symonds, when he had made only 30.
Symonds went on to make his highest Test score and changed the course of the match.Dravid's dismissal was the turning point of the game as it opened the floodgates wide opened.
India's troubles were further compounded by another wrong decision meeted out to Sourav Ganguly, this time by umpire Mark Benson.
At least Benson does not give an impression of being biased against India. There is something definitely wrong with Bucknor when he officiates in matches involving India.
This is not the first time Indians have been screwed by Steve Bucknor.
The umpire has a history of confrontations with the Indian team. We take a look at some of past such instances:
Steve Bucknor v India
Steve Bucknor: Umpired in 21 India Tests, India has won five of them
1992-93: India vs South Africa, Johannesburg
With South Africa reeling at 73-5, Indians appeal for Jhonty Rhodes' run-out. Bucknor refuses to take Third Umpire's help. Replays show Rhodes, who went on to play a match-saving innings, was clearly short of the crease.
Result: Match drawn
1998-99: India vs Pakistan, Kolkata
Shoaib Akhtar obstructs Sachin Tendulkar as he fails to make it to the crease. Bucknor turns a blind eye and refers the matter to the TV umpire. As the red light flashes and Tendulkar walks to the dressing room, Eden erupts.
Result: Pakistan won
2003-04: India vs Australia, Brisbane
Tendulkar is given out lbw when the ball hit on a knee roll and the line was just outside the off-stump. The bowler was Jason Gillespie and India slips after a good start.
Result: Match drawn
2003-04: India vs Australia, Sydney
India is on the verge of history of a series win on the final day. Bucknor refuses a number of close leg-before decisions against the Aussies. India falls short of time. Skipper Sourav Ganguly in his post-series report to ICC gives Bucknor very poor ratings with adverse comments.
Result: Match drawn
2003-04: India vs Pakistan, Lahore
India is already on the backfoot in the series for the first time after an awful batting display. Five opportunities missed while bowling, four of them adjudicated by Bucknor. This forces Indian coach John Wright to complain to match-referee Ranjan Madugalle during the day's play.
Result: India lost
2004-05: India vs Pakistan, Kolkata
Sachin Tendulkar walked back to the dressing room with tears in his eyes as Bucknor (standing in his 100th Test) declared him out at 52 after his bat clearly missed the ball sent down by Abdul Razzaq and none of the Pakistanis, other than the bowler, appealed.
Result: India won
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