ICC chief hails Bell reprieve

10 April 2012

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was today praised for his sportsmanship in reprieving Ian Bell - even though the India skipper would have been within his rights to uphold his appeal for a run-out against the England batsman.

Bell left his ground after thinking yesterday's afternoon session had ended but as umpire Asad Rauf had not signalled the end of the over, Abhinav Mukund removed the bails and Bell was subsequently given out for 137.

However, following a request from England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower, Dhoni agreed to allow Bell to continue after tea and was eventually dismissed for 159.Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton believe Dhoni was too generous towards England but ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat claimed Dhoni made the right decision.

"To withdraw the appeal shows great maturity," said Lorgat. "To see players and officials uphold the spirit of cricket, which has underpinned the game for more than a century, is very special.

"I am grateful for the way the teams and match officials handled what was clearly a difficult situation and their behaviour reflects well on everyone. Absolute credit must go to both teams and the match officials for the way they dealt with it."

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