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“I Panicked Big Time” David Bedingham On Dead Ball Controversy In WTC25 Final

Jatin

Alex Carey and David Bedingham [Source: @ClubCricketSA/x.com]Alex Carey and David Bedingham [Source: @ClubCricketSA/x.com]

Just when you thought Lord’s had seen it all, Day 2 of the WTC Final 2025 threw up a moment that had everyone, from commentators to fans, raising their eyebrows. No, it wasn’t a fiery bouncer or a dramatic collapse; it was something far more bizarre.

South African batter David Bedingham found himself smack in the middle of a bizarre moment that could have easily snowballed into another Ashes-style drama. Thankfully, it didn’t and the way both captains handled it was top class.

Bedingham’s Honest Take On The Lord’s Dead Ball Incident

It all started when Beau Webster sent down a delivery that Bedingham tried to paddle away. Instead of finding the middle of the bat, the ball deflected awkwardly off his pad and started trickling down his leg.

With Aussie keeper Alex Carey charging in, sniffing a possible catch, Bedingham did what most batters would do in the heat of the moment, he picked the ball up and dropped it on the ground.

In the moment, it looked a little dodgy. The Aussies noticed. So did everyone watching. The commentators didn’t miss it either, with Ian Smith cheekily remarking,

“Controversy at Lord’s? No way.”

Speaking after the day’s play, Bedingham didn’t shy away from admitting it looked suspicious.

“I panicked big time,” he said with a laugh. “Carey was standing up and was really close. I think, the way I dropped the ball, picked up the ball, came across a bit dodgy.”

Cummins Plays It Cool

Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins, who is no stranger to heated moments on the field, handled the situation with class.

“The umpires said it was a dead ball first of all, but I think we would have withdrawn the appeal anyway,” Cummins told the media.

That simple line was all it took to shut down any lingering chat about gamesmanship or spirit-of-cricket debates.

With the 2023 Bairstow-Carey stumping saga still fresh in everyone’s minds, this could’ve been another firestarter. But both teams took the high road. No shouting. No angry appeals. Just a quiet dead-ball call from umpire Richard Illingworth and play went on.

Even Bedingham seemed relieved it didn’t blow up.

“I’m glad they just withdrew the appeal ... I’m glad nothing happened out of it,” he said.

AUS vs SA WTC Final Score At Stumps On Day 2

At stumps on Day 2, Australia sit at 144/8, leading by 218 runs. The pitch has been doing plenty and with 14 wickets falling on both Day 1 and Day 2, it’s clear this match is being dominated by the bowlers.

It is all set up for a cracking Day 3 at Lord’s. The ball is talking, tensions are high and the stakes couldn’t be bigger. But thankfully, one potential controversy was put to rest before it could boil over.