The first day of the Test series opener between Zimbabwe and South Africa in Bulawayo was marked by a controversial moment involving South Africa's debutant, Lhuan-dre Pretorius. The incident ignited the fury of Zimbabwean players, who felt aggrieved after Pretorius appeared to edge the ball but stood his ground, with the on-field umpire remaining unmoved.
The contentious moment occurred during the sixth over bowled by Zimbabwe seamer Tanaka Chivanga. Chivanga, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a full-length ball that tempted Pretorius to drive. The ball seemed to pass the inside edge of Pretorius’s bat, and wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga immediately appealed for a caught behind. A noise was audible as the ball neared the bat. However, Pretorius remained rooted in his crease, merely glancing back at the keeper. The Zimbabwe players appealed vehemently, but the umpire stood firm. Pretorius, in the meantime, nonchalantly shadow-practiced the shot and casually walked over to chat with his batting partner, fellow debutant Dewald Brevis.
Adding to Zimbabwe's frustration, the Decision Review System (DRS) was unavailable for the series, leaving them with no recourse to challenge the umpire's decision. This absence of DRS in টেস্ট matches played in Zimbabwe highlighted the disparity between cricket played in countries with wealthier boards and those without, where technology can significantly impact the game.
The Zimbabwe players didn't hold back their feelings, with reports suggesting that they sledged Pretorius, saying, "You've got to walk for that, surely". Commentary picked up on the incident, with Shaun Pollock noting, "There are a few comments coming from the Zimbabwe players, 'You've got to walk for that, surely'. He smashed it. Pretorius is not going anywhere, and they can't send it upstairs. It can't be turned over. There's no Snicko. So if there was an edge, Pretorious has survived". Replays indicated some movement after the ball pitched, further fueling the debate.
Despite the controversial reprieve, Pretorius went on to make a record-breaking century, becoming the fastest South African to score a century on Test debut, achieving the milestone in just 112 balls. He broke Stiaan van Zyl's record from December 2014, who reached the milestone in 129 balls. Before the controversial moment, Pretorius was on 30. He ultimately contributed significantly to South Africa's recovery after a shaky start.
At 19 years and 93 days, Pretorius also became the youngest South African to score a century on Test debut, breaking a 61-year-old record held by Graeme Pollock. Pollock was 19 years and 317 days old when he scored a century against Australia in 1964.
Pretorius came to the crease with South Africa struggling at 23/3. He launched a counter-attack, which helped stabilize the innings. He formed a 95-run partnership with Dewald Brevis, rescuing South Africa from 55/4.
The incident involving Pretorius has sparked debate about the spirit of cricket and the role of the umpire's decision in the absence of technology. While some argue that players should walk when they know they have edged the ball, others believe that they are entitled to wait for the umpire's decision. The lack of DRS further compounds the issue, leaving teams at the mercy of on-field umpires, whose decisions can sometimes be questionable.
