T20 Blast 2023: Bears skipper Alex Davies departs after contentious caught behind call by third umpire

The ongoing T20 Blast 2023 witnessed a controversial moment when Birmingham Bears skipper Alex Davies had to walk back to the pavilion against Essex in the first Quarter Final. The opener was adjudged caught behind by the third umpire despite no evidence of contact of the ball on UltraEdge. The decision was met with loud boos by a vociferous home crowd at Edgbaston. 

Batting first in the knockout clash, Birmingham Bears lost opener Rob Yates for a three-ball duck after a sensational wicket maiden by Daniel Sams. Despite that early blow, the home side attempted to steady the ship as Glenn Maxwell joined skipper Alex Davies in the middle.

However, their brisk stand came to a standstill in the fourth over when Aaron Beard was handed the ball. The fourth delivery of Beard's over saw a bizarre incident unfold as the onfield umpires remained unmoved after a loud appeal for a caught behind. Essex challenged the onfield call, only for the crowd to cheer in anticipation as the UltraEdge did not show any spike. 

Bears bow out after a last-over thriller

However, third umpire Nigel Llong ruled in favour of the bowling team as there was a slight deviation when the ball passed the batter's glove. A disappointed Bears' skipper made a long way back to the pavilion after the contentious decision. Sam Hain's half-century, along with a late flurry from Chris Benjamin and Dominic Drakes, helped the home side to a competitive total after the conclusion of the first innings

Essex got off to a flier in their reply as Adam Rossington and Dan Lawrence added a terrific stand for the first wicket. However, Alex Davies redeemed himself to some extent after getting rid of Rossington with a sensational run-out, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But the visitors held their nerve in a thrilling final over to get over the line. Lawrence was the protagonist for Essex with his steady half-century.