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BRISBANE - New Zealand's Billy Bowden stopped a test cricket at the 'Gabba today by scratching his nose -- a first even for the world's most animated umpire.
Bowden's show-stopping facial itch came after England had appealed for an optimistic leg before wicket shout against Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
Ponting, on 72, was struck on the front pad when he missed a sweep against Ashley Giles.
Although Bowden first gave a shake of the head, Ponting's heart still would have skipped a beat as the eccentric New Zealander lifted his hand in front of him as though ready to unfurl the trademark crooked finger.
But the digit travelled only as far as Bowden's nose and Ponting was free to continue.
Then as Giles trundled into bowl the next delivery a replay of the nasal scratch flashed up on the giant screen and such was the indignant roar from the crowd that the spinner was obliged to prop and abort before his delivery stride.
Ponting was unfazed, middling the next ball confidently and not long after celebrated his 32nd test century.
- AAP
