Wobblyline, shoddyline, bulge-gate: Twitter reacts to Moeen's close stumping
Moeen Ali was stumped - off Nathan Lyon - for the first time in Test cricket, just when he was playing a punchy innings for England at the Gabba. The third umpire's decision sparked debate on both sides, considering the fine margins involved in the dismissal. Had Moeen got a fraction of his shoe behind the line? The "has Moeen crossed the line?" debate is likely to go on for a while, especially if it ends up costing England dearly.
A matter of millimeters
— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) November 26, 2017
Moeen Ali (40) is stumped thanks to some sharp work from Tim Paine.
England 155-6 (lead by 129 runs). pic.twitter.com/2M6A1EpQZa
Not all seemed right with the line, on closer inspection.
The width of the line seems to increase as it goes across the pitch.
— Henry Moeran (@henrymoeranBBC) November 26, 2017
Mooen unlucky?#Ashes pic.twitter.com/tScPiYb9u6
Putting aside where his foot is, any danger of marking out the line at one consistent width? Far thicker on the actual pitch. pic.twitter.com/INzWEXdcJt
— Russell Jackson (@rustyjacko) November 26, 2017
If the groundsman actually uses a straight line to mark he's still in. https://t.co/Q1DiKqaMdN
— Kieran (@BerbaSpin) November 26, 2017
New Aussie Rules video footage uncovered pic.twitter.com/Wn7qUbY441
— Runningman (@Mark_Barrow) November 26, 2017
Duly enough, deliverance seemed to arrive, albeit a few minutes late for Moeen.
Hahaha they are repainting the line at drinks!!! #Ashes
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) November 26, 2017
New names started doing the rounds.
From Bodyline to Wobblyline (copyright @brydoncoverdale )
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) November 26, 2017
One more was added to the gate-suffixed nomenclature.
No danger of 'bulge-gate' here. #Ashes https://t.co/tQEthLW0Me
— Jonathan Norman (@FulhamJon) November 26, 2017
As with all such debates, there was a point of view from the other side too. Was there any benefit of doubt to be given at all?
Excellent and brave TV umpiring. That was clearly out, but many umpires would have felt they had to give the benefit of some imaginary doubt tot he batsman.
— Keshava Guha (@keshavaguha) November 26, 2017
I thought that too, but if he was an Australian he would know where the line was and he'd respect it. https://t.co/qeJFFgbqpQ
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) November 26, 2017
At the end of the day's play, Moeen himself wasn't too fussed about the decision.
Moeen Ali on his dismissal: "You've got to respect the umpire's call and move on." He couldn't be more phlegmatic about it.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) November 26, 2017