Ben Stokes, Sydney Sixers want DRS in the BBL

England superstar Ben Stokes and Sydney Sixers veteran Steve O’Keefe are the latest notable figures calling for the Big Bash League to adopt a review system.

Sydney Sixers benefited from the absence of a review system in their Big Bash League qualifying final but, like Ben Stokes, they want it to be introduced.

Perth Scorchers allrounder Mitch Marsh was wrongly given out on Saturday night, when his side posted a total of 6-167 and crashed to a nine-wicket loss.

Marsh’s reaction after his caught-behind dismissal on two put him at risk of being booked for dissent.

It also reignited calls for the BBL to adopted the Decision Review System (DRS), which isn’t currently in use because the required technology would cost approximately $2 million per season. 

England superstar Stokes posted on Twitter that “it’s frustrating to watch something like that happen when it can sooooo easily be fixed”.

Veteran spinner Steve O’Keefe, whose desperate appeal convinced Sam Nogajski to raise his finger, sympathised with both the umpire and Marsh.

“Given the success of the tournament and that players’ careers are on the line, absolutely the more technology we can use (the better),” O’Keefe told reporters.

“Players and umpires want as many correct decisions as possible. So yes… e’re going to have to look at that (DRS).

“With that in the background, you’ll probably get umpires making better decisions as well. Knowing they can relax a bit if they do get one incorrect.”

Marsh is among numerous BBL players and pundits to have already suggested DRS should be part of the league.

“I’d be all for it…the players would welcome it with open arms,” he said earlier in the tournament.

Cricket Australia is looking at the prospect of a watered-down system that would cost less but still eliminate the most horrific howlers.

O’Keefe made the point that umpires, like players, have been stuck in a biosecurity bubble throughout summer.

“They’re under as much stress as players,” the Sixers tweaker said.

“They’re away from families.

“They’d love to call it back and say, ‘I got that wrong’.”

Englishman James Vince, whose unbeaten 98 earned man-of-the-match honours and a home final for his team, noted the majority of Twenty20 competitions have DRS.

“I’d support the idea of DRS,” Vince said.

Perth captain Ashton Turner defended Marsh’s outburst.

“Umpiring is something that has been in a lot of headlines,” Turner said.

“We have to cop it on the chin…I’m sure Mitch will reflect on his actions.

“I’d be absolutely staggered if he is fined or suspended.

“I’ve seen worse carry-ons in this tournament.”