Scottish spinner Mark Watt controversially denied wicket after Josh Inglis’ late withdrawal

Scotland spinner Mark Watt was controversially denied a wicket when Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis belatedly withdrew from a delivery during the first T20I at The Grange in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Australia was 2-113 in the seventh over when Watt produced his trademark 24-yard delivery, nicknamed the ‘long ball’, where he releases the ball well behind the crease, almost alongside the umpire.

Inglis, having taken guard for his first delivery of the innings, pulled away after the ball had been released, with the ball clipping leg stump. Watt appealed for a dismissal, but umpire David McLean signalled ‘dead ball’, handing Inglis an early reprieve.

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A similar incident occurred later in the run chase when Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis stepped away from a 24-yarder after Watt had released the ball. Members of the crowd booed when the umpire once again signalled dead ball.

According to MCC Law 20.4, an umpire should call a dead ball if the batter makes no attempt to play a delivery and had adequate reason for not being ready.

Watt’s ‘long ball’ has proven an effective weapon for the left-armed spinner, who used it on several occasions during this year’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The 28-year-old was also denied a wicket during Scotland’s group-stage match against Oman in June, hitting Khalid Kail’s stumps after the batter pulled away from the delivery. The umpire sided with the batter on that occasion as well.

“It’s just trying to rush (the batters),” Watt has previously explained.

“By the time I’ve let it go, the batsman looks up and the ball’s halfway down the wicket.”

Speaking to reporters in June, Scotland all-rounder Michael Leask explained why Watt’s ‘long ball’ is so difficult to face.

“(It’s effective because) it’s the element of surprise that he bowls it,” Leask said.

“It’s also how good he is at holding his length, it still spins. It’s just that fraction longer.

“Man, it’s horrible to face, even for us in the nets.

“You know it’s coming every two minutes. He does it a lot.”

Australia ultimately won the series opener by seven wickets, chasing the 155-run target with 62 balls remaining. Inglis finished unbeaten on 27 (13).

The second T20 gets underway at the same venue on Friday, with the first ball scheduled for 11pm AEST.