- Footage shows Stoinis performing run-through before match
- Players aren’t allowed to run onto the pitch before a game
- Curran was suspended for charging at an umpire
Footage has emerged of Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis doing a similar run-through on the pitch to what sparked an incident recently with English cricketer Tom Curran.
Curran was suspended for four Big Big League matches after vision emerged of him charging in toward an umpire at full stride before launching a verbal tirade prior to the match against the Hobart Hurricanes.
The umpire instructed Curran to not run on the wicket during his warm up, in line with the laws of the game, and stood in his way to prevent him from running onto the pitch.
While the vision clearly shows Curran running at the umpire, his skipper Henriques has gone in to bat for him and challenged the level three offence under the code of conduct for intimidating an umpire.
The controversial incident took another twist when reporter Tom Decent posted video of Stoinis doing a similar pre-match run-through onto the pitch on December 13 – though not running at an umpire.
Stoinis, as the captain, is allowed by the rules of cricket to inspect the pitch before the match – but he isn’t allowed to run onto it to practice a run-up.
‘Not providing an opinion or condoning what Tom Curran did the other night,’ wrote Decent.
‘Just a clip to show that during this year’s Big Bash there have been instances of players doing run-throughs on the pitch before a game.
‘Umpire was right there. Appeal will be interesting.’
Some cricket fans replied to Decent’s post to point out that the English paceman had been suspended for intimidation of an official, while others questioned why Stoinis wasn’t told to stop by the umpire.
Curran’s charges specifically cite ‘intimidation or attempted intimidation of an Umpire, Match Referee, or Medical Personnel, whether by language or conduct (including gestures).’
Curran was instructed not to enter the pitch, then went to the other end to complete another practice run-up.
‘You can run here, but not here,’ the umpire could be heard telling Curran, also using his arms to show where he can run.
Stoinis was spotted doing a run-through onto the pitch pre-match, which isn’t allowed
Curran has been suspended for four Big Big League matches after vision emerged of him charging in toward an umpire at full stride before launching a verbal tirade
Curran then attempted to perform a practice run-up and steamed in at pace straight towards the umpire, who stood in the bowling crease facing him.
Making his actions even worse, Curran then turned to deliver a spray to the umpire.
Channel Nine journalist Tom Morris revealed what he said on SEN: ‘Word for word, Tom Curran to the fourth umpire after he ran past him: “If you stand in the way I have nowhere go, you f***head.’
Curran’s actions in the video have been widely slammed by cricket fans, with many saying the penalty is too lenient and lashing the Sixers for appealing the four-match ban.
Former Australian pace bowler Merv Hughes led the calls, posting: ‘So they should appeal….. I don’t think the four game suspension is anywhere near harsh enough!!!! Should have got 10!!’
‘Should be banned for the whole season,’ one fan posted.
‘For appealing it they should add 4 more games and the sixes to be deducted points, appealing means they condone this behavior,’ added another.
‘Send him home. Tear up his contract, don’t appeal the decision,’ posted another.
