During a Test match between Australia and the West Indies, Alex Carey had a strange moment at the crease. Alzarri Joseph bowled a delivery that clipped the top of off stump, causing the bail to spin but not fall. Since the bail didn’t fully dislodge, Carey was ruled not out. Australia reviewed it thinking it did hit the stump, and UltraEdge confirmed contact. But by rule, unless the bail falls off, the batter is safe.
Commentators raised questions about the stumps, pointing out that the right stump appeared shorter than the others, possibly tilting the bail and making it harder to knock off. This led to speculation over whether match officials are supposed to check the evenness of the stumps before play.
Carey made the most of the second chance. He went on to score 68 runs with an inventive display around the field. When he reached his fifty, he raised his bat to the crowd while Joseph stood in the outfield clearly frustrated, knowing he’d effectively bowled Carey out when the Aussie was on just 10. The incident also sparked discussion among fans, including a couple in the crowd who drew attention for their unique looks, one resembling a sailor and the other someone out of a horror movie.