Moments, decisions and people from the cricketing years.
Sir Oliver Popplewell was appointed to consider Andrew Hall’s appeal against a two-Test suspension in October 2003. The South African all-rounder had been sanctioned following an incident involving Pakistan batter Yousuf Youhana during the ODI series. South Africa sought a decision before the Test series began.
Andy Flower joined South Australia for the 2003–04 season after completing his English county commitments. The former Zimbabwe international made his four-day debut for the Redbacks against Western Australia at the WACA in October 2003. His first innings ended without a run. The move added an experienced international batter to South Australia’s squad.
ABC: Flower signs with the Redbacks ↗ ABC: South Australia debut ↗
During England’s December 2003 tour of Sri Lanka, a complaint about Nasser Hussain’s conduct towards Muttiah Muralitharan was referred to match referee Clive Lloyd. The dispute took place during the second Test in Kandy. Lloyd cautioned the players, with no ban imposed after the hearing.
Cricket Australia supported the ICC’s stronger response to racist spectator abuse in September 2006, following complaints from South African players about their Australian tour. The discussion also addressed language directed at England supporters ahead of the Ashes. Cricket Australia distinguished the isolated term “pom” from combinations of words that could be offensive, humiliating or racist.