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The refusal by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to use the DRS has continued to create controversy.
During the first Test of the current series against India and Australia, there were several dubious decisions, particularly possible LBWs against Michael Clarke and Sachin Tendulkar that were turned down.
This time it was another lbw decision, against Ed Cowan. The Tasmanian played a glorious off-drive down the ground for four before being trapped in front by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in which umpire Marias Eramus had no hesitation in giving out.
Replays showed that the ball would’ve probably gone onto hit middle and off but the ball clearly pitched outside leg stump.
The wicket triggered an Australian top-order collapse in which Watson and Hughes who both made starts (23 and 19 respectively) were dismissed.
Warner (6), was dismissed earlier by B. Kumar with a beauty of a deliver that swung and cut back into him, castling Warner’s leg stump. That left Australia 4/63 when both Clarke and Wade combined for a century partnership to steady Australia.
It’s not the first time that a Test series involving India has created controversy involving umpiring decisions. Had it not been for Clarke and Wade’s partnership, Australia could be easily bowled out for under 200, largely because of Cowan’s wicket.
It could’ve easily been avoided if the BCCI just simply allowed the use of the DRS. Cowan would’ve called for a referral, replays would show the ball pitched outside leg and the decision would be overturned.
It would not be controversial, and we could just get on with the game.
The purpose of the DRS is to eradicate obvious howlers made by umpires so far this series.
Had Hawkeye been available in the broadcasting of the Test series then it may have showed Tendulkar was very lucky when his LBW was turned down as well.
Fortunately for the BCCI and the umpires, the mistakes are unlikely to have altered the eventual outcome. Despite Clarke’s century, India went on to score a huge first innings total and win the match.
However, there have been a few cases where umpiring decisions have been costly. In some instances, it can cost more than just the match. It can cost a player his career.
It is possible that if Cowan doesn’t make a sizeable score in the second innings, he could be dropped.
The DRS was introduced for a reason. How long until the ICC do something about this and compel the BCCI to use it?
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