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Debutant Beer goes flat after no ball call

SYDNEY - Australian debutant Michael Beer was denied his maiden test wicket in the most gut-wrenching fashion by a no-ball call on Tuesday but the way he responded was a big positive, according to team mate Mitchell Johnson.

Spinner Beer was plucked out of obscurity to join Australia’s Ashes squad and then spent two tests as 12^th man before finally getting his chance to bowl in the final match on the Sydney Cricket Ground.

England opener Alastair Cook had just passed 600 runs for the series and was heading towards a half century on 43 when the left arm orthodox tempted him into a shot which ballooned into the air and was caught by Ben Hilfenhaus.

Cook walked but umpire Billy Bowden called him back and checked with the third umpire, who confirmed that Beer had overstepped the crease.

“You could see the reaction on his face when he was called for it,” Johnson said. “It was disappointing for him that he couldn’t claim his first wicket, and it would have been a good wicket to get being Cook.

“I think the way he handled himself after that and the way he bowled, was good signs for us.

“It looked like he spun the ball well and got a bit of drift. (Kevin) Pietersen got after him a bit at the start but then he started to get some drift and shut him down.” Johnson had a similar experience in the Melbourne test when he thought he had Matt Prior out for five only for a no ball to be called on review and the English wicketkeeper to go on to make 85.

Australia have had 19 no balls to England’s seven during the series and Johnson said he was undecided as to whether he liked the review system or not.

“I guess it can be frustrating, if the umpires know it’s a no ball, I think they should call it instead of waiting,” he said. “(But) I suppose you just gotta get your foot behind the line.”

Johnson said his team mates would do their best to make sure Beer stayed positive. “The boys were upbeat with him and consoled him and I think we’ve got to keep doing that tonight, just be around him and make sure he doesn’t think about it too much,” he said.

England, who lead the five-match series 2-1 and have already retained the Ashes, ended the second day on 167 for three in response to Australia’s 280 all out.