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Given out twice, then reversed: Chris Green’s bizarre reprieve
New South Wales allrounder Chris Green was involved in a bizarre situation against Western Australia at the WACA where he was given out twice before being recalled to the crease.
The incident took place in the 22nd over of NSW’s second innings, when Green ducked a bouncer from Matthew Kelly and was given out caught behind as the ball deflected through to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis. Green had finished flat on his back in the crease and began remonstrating while sat on the ground as umpire Gerald Abood raised the finger.
There was no doubt about the ball hitting something but as Green got to his feet he continued to shake his head. At this point, Abood was talking with square-leg official Michael Graham-Smith, then he raised his finger again. Green started walking off while signaling to the umpires.
Initial front-on and from behind replays were not conclusive but a side-on shot did suggest it came off the helmet, although the gloves remained close. A fourth view from mid-on appeared to confirm it was just helmet.
Green, at this stage, was still on the playing area and Abood then signaled for him to wait as he approached the Western Australia captain Sam Whiteman. Abood then reversed his decision and Green walked back to the crease. He then underwent a concussion test as is the protocol when a player is struck on the helmet.
Former New South Wales and Australia opener Phil Jaques, working the game as a commentator, was taken aback by how it played out.
“It looks like he’s got it right in the end, but it opens up a very big Pandora’s box,” Jaques said. “You can’t take a batter’s word for it because they’re never out, so it’s a very strange one.
“I’ve seen captains call back batters before when umpires have got it wrong, but I’ve never seen an umpire overturn their decision after giving it out. He’s overturned it after giving it out twice.”
While the Sheffield Shield is streamed in high quality there are no third umpires except for the final and replays are not used in the decision-making process.
Law 2.12 allows an umpire to “alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly and does not contradict clause 20.6 (Dead ball not to be revoked).”
Green only faced a further 11 balls, scoring eight more runs before toe-ending a pull to Cameron Bancroft at second slip.
Debutant Will Salzmann was at the non-striker’s end and was content to let things run their course, but praised Western Australia for the way they accepted the final outcome.
“I didn’t have much idea because I guess I didn’t get a good look from our [the non-striker’s] end, couldn’t tell it was off his helmet, the sound wasn’t clean as you’d expect from metal,” he said. “Being my first game I sort of kept my mouth shut and let things play out in front of me.
“Think the right decision was made in the end. Western Australia should be given a lot of credit, it’s a good display of the spirit of the game. Credit to the officials and well played to Greeny for speaking up on something he didn’t believe in.”
Western Australia offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli was reluctant to bring the spirit of cricket into the incident and said his side could do little except carry on with the game
“I don’t actually know what the spirit of the game is,” he said. “I was stuck at deep square leg on the hook so I just appealed because everyone else appealed and the rest sort of happened from there. I still don’t actually know what happened, all I know he was not out at the end of the day. The umpires umpire and the rest of just have to get on and do our work.
“We’ve just got to play the game. Sometimes in cricket it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. Didn’t go our way in that situation but lucky enough to get him out a couple of overs later so just have to suck it up and move on.”
[Cricinfo]
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Bondi Beach gunmen who killed 15 after targeting Jewish celebration were father and son, police say
New South Wales Police say 15 people, including a 10 year old girl were killed in a shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday – their ages range from 10 to 87
The attack happened while an event was being held to mark the start of Hanukkah – police say they’re treating it as a terror incident
The two gunmen were father and son, police say. The 50-year-old man also died at the scene while the 24-year-old remains in hospital in critical condition
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the attack “an act of pure evil” that “deliberately targeted” the Jewish community
(BBC)
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Those who receive education and recognition under the government have a responsibility to society- Prime Minister
The ninth phase of the islandwide programme to recognise outstanding achievers at the G.C.E. Advanced Level implemented by the Presidential Fund, was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday 14 th of December at Temple Trees.
Under this phase, students from the Western Province who obtained excellent results at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations in the years 2023 and 2024 were recognised. Accordingly, 361 outstanding students from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts were awarded scholarships amounting to LKR 36.1 million by the Presidential Fund.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Presidential Fund is a public fund belonging to the people, and that the government has made a special effort to ensure it is perceived and functions in the interest of the general public.
The Prime Minister further noted that the government has succeeded in transforming the Presidential Fund which previously was seen as accessible mainly to those holding special power or positions, and characterised by complex procedures difficult for ordinary citizens into a simplified system that allows applications to be submitted online and through Divisional Secretariat offices near you.
The Prime Minister emphasised that all these programmes are being implemented with the objective of developing human resources in a manner compatible with the contemporary world with the aim of moving the country forward. She further stated that the government is committed to nurturing human resources capable of understanding and navigating the complexities of the modern world.
She noted that in this regard, a new agenda has been initiated to bring a transformation into the education system from 2026 onwards, with the aim of producing productive and responsible citizens.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need to nurture a responsible human resource that values democracy, loves and protects the environment, demonstrates leadership, compassion, and a sense of collectivity.
The Prime Minister reiterated that every government has invested in the education of students using public funds generated through the taxes paid by all citizens, and noted that, it is because you possess the ability to serve society and provide leadership
The Prime Minister stated, the recognition conferred today is an investment in you and those who receive education and recognition under the government bear a responsibility to serve society.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, stated that while the Presidential Fund had previously been known among the public primarily as a source of financial assistance for severe illnesses such as heart disease, the scope of its utilisation has been expanded under the new government, with education identified as a key focus area.
He further noted that the government’s vision of inclusivity is closely aligned with the objectives of the Presidential Fund.
The event was attended by the Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Presidential Fund, Roshan Gamage; Members of Parliament Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, Chandima Hettiarachchi, and Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Prageeth Madhuranga; Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof; the Chairman of the University Grants Commission; members of the Board of Management of the Presidential Fund; public officials; the students who were recognised; and their parents and guardians.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Education should not be a burden to children at this moment. Priority must be given to their psychosocial well-being – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that education should not be a burden to children during the recovery period after the disaster, and priority must be given to their psychosocial well-being. The Prime Minister emphasized that this approach would help foster a supportive school environment during disaster situations.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Nuwara Eliya District on measures to restore educational activities and reopen schools for students following the recent disaster situation.
Although the Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools island-wide on the 16 th of December, the Prime Minister noted that the authority has been granted to the relevant provincial and district authorities to make decisions regarding the reopening of schools in the affected areas.
The Prime Minister further stated that prior to reopening schools located in high-risk areas, recommendations from the National Building Research Organization must be obtained, and special attention should be paid to access roads and infrastructure. The Prime Minister further mentioned that teachers and students who have experienced hardships should be allowed flexibility in wearing comfortable attire.
During the meeting, District education authorities informed that, despite numerous challenges, educational reforms are progressing rapidly, and that 51% of teacher training activities in the Nuwara Eliya District have already been completed. Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister further stressed that these challenges must be overcome collectively in order to move forward to achieve a better position than before following the disaster situation.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne; Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweera Arachchi; Members of Parliament Kalai Chelvi and Anushka Tilakaratne, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Ms. Thushari Tennakoon; and several government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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