They may be the Big Bash League's new nice guys but it seems Adelaide Strikers' chivalry only goes so far.
The Strikers' showed great sportmanship to withdraw an appeal against James Pattinson and let the Brisbane Heat quick bat on after a third umpire howler in Adelaide's five-wicket win on Wednesday night.
But Strikers star Alex Carey was happy to accept the umpire's decision when Heat leg-spinner Mitch Swepson's passionate caught behind appeal was knocked back on his way to a match-winning 70, admitting later he knicked it.
"I'm not like Gilly, I don't walk," Carey said with a wry smile, referring to former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
Still, it was hard to hold a grudge against the defending BBL champions after their wonderful gesture to Pattinson in the tournament opener.
The Strikers took the extraordinary step of pulling their appeal when the third umpire ruled Pattinson was run out after big screen replays showed otherwise, stunning players, on-field officials and a booing Gabba crowd.
"I probably haven't seen anything like that before. But we were comfortable with calling him back - it was the right thing to do," Carey said.
Pattinson had no hard feelings after hearing that Carey admitted to feathering a touch to Heat 'keeper James Peirson off Swepson (1-27).
"He (third umpire) might have been the only person who thought it was out but common sense prevailed," Pattinson said of the run out decision.
"It (Carey's caught behind call) wasn't as blatant. But when it's for all to see on the big screen, it's a different matter.
"It might have been a different story if we were chasing six to win off the last over but full credit to the Strikers (for pulling appeal) - it was a great gesture."
Pattinson was quickly dismissed later for four as the Heat were bowled out for 146 but the fast bowler still made an impressive Brisbane debut, taking 2-23 in the Strikers' run chase.
Swepson eventually got his man when he bowled Australian one-day deputy Carey, finally ending a knock that featured five fours and four sixes.
Jon Wells (24 not out) ensured the Strikers reeled in the victory target with five balls to spare.
