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BBL rocked by fresh controversy as fans blast 'terrible' decision

Cricket fans have lashed out after Jordan Silk was involved in more controversy in the Sydney Sixers' win over Melbourne Stars.

Jordan Silk, pictured here being given out despite a clear gap between bat and ball in the BBL.
Jordan Silk was given out despite a clear gap between bat and ball in the BBL. Image: Fox Sports

Jordan Silk was at the centre of fresh controversy in the BBL on Friday night when the third umpire appeared to make a huge mistake during a DRS review. The Sydney Sixers got home against the Melbourne Stars in a final over thriller at the MCG, but it didn't come without controversy.

Silk belted a six from the third ball of Luke Wood's dramatic final over, but was controversially given out caught behind on the next delivery. Silk appeared to play and miss at a bouncer from Wood before attempting to scramble through for a bye.

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Wood threw the stumps down at the non-striker's end, prompting the on-field umpire to review the caught behind and runout at the same time. Snicko registered a spike as the ball passed Silk's bat, but a split-screen view showed a big gap between bat and ball.

Nevertheless, the third umpire still gave Silk out and ordered the on-field umpire to overturn his original decision. The bizarre scenes sparked confusion in the commentary box and on social media.

The ball, pictured here nowhere near Jordan Silk's bat when Snicko registered a spike.
The ball wasn't near Jordan Silk's bat when Snicko registered a spike. Image: Fox Sports

“I definitely heard a noise as it went past my bat and I saw up there that there was a spike on snicko as it was going past. But then the front-on camera showed I was about that far away from it, so I’m not sure how they’ve come up with that," Silk said afterwards.

“That’s what I saw on the screen, so that what was I was going off (when I tried to review). But I reckon I was run out at the other end anyway.

“It’s following me at the moment, controversy. I don’t know, it was a bizarre moment. I went from thinking I was out on the snicko and then I saw a gap on the other camera. It could’ve blown up, no doubt.”

Silk has been involved in drama all throughout the BBL season after his dismissal against the Brisbane Heat was widely slammed. Michael Neser juggled the ball while standing over the boundary rope, but because his feet were never touching the ground while he was in contact with the ball, it was deemed a legal catch.

James Vince guides Sydney Sixers to BBL victory

Marcus Stoinis blasted 52 off 28 balls to lift the Stars to a competitive total of 5-173 after being sent in to bat first. But the Stars' dreadful season continued as James Vince made 91 from 59 balls to get the Sixers home.

Dan Christian hit a four off the second-last delivery to seal a six-wicket victory for the Sydney side. The result was the Sixers' ninth-consecutive win over the Stars - a record in the BBL by one club over another.

The loss leaves the Stars languishing in last place at 2-6, while the Sixers (5-3) are level on wins at the top with the Scorchers and Thunder.

Dan Christian and James Vince, pictured here after the Sydney Sixers' win over Melbourne Stars in the BBL.
Dan Christian and James Vince celebrate after the Sydney Sixers' win over Melbourne Stars in the BBL. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

The Sixers needed 36 off the final three overs before Vince smacked back-to-back sixes off departing New Zealand international Trent Boult (1-39). Needing 11 off the last over, the Sixers should have had Vince run out on the first ball, but Stars wicket-keeper Joe Clarke missed the stumps on his first attempt.

Silk (15 off 10) then tilted the match in the Sixers' favour with a huge six before his controversial departure. Christian then hit the only ball he faced for four, steering the Sixers to 4-176.

"As a batting group we spoke about how having someone in the top three or four there towards the back end (of the innings) always makes it easier to win games," Vince said. "Turning some of the 30s and 40s into 70s and 80s can make a big difference, so I was pleased to be there at the end.

"The guys that batted around me took the pressure off nicely because it was the sort of wicket where you felt 'in' but it was gripping a little bit. It wasn't easy."

with AAP

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