The DRS – Decision Review System technology has not been able to sit well with the cricket community despite aiding the umpires and officials to make more informed and accurate decisions.
The latest incident occurred on the third day of the second Test between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne cricket stadium.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc seemed to have dismissed Mitchell Santner on a short ball that apparently touched his bat and was caught by Travis Head.
Aussies were certain of their wicket and even went into celebration mode but Marais Erasmus, the on-ground umpire called it not-out suspecting the ball had bounced off Santner’s body.
The matter was referred to the third umpire, Pakistan’s Aleem Dar who after several playbacks and close observation and then decided not out.
The decision did not sit well with the Australian side including former players Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne who criticized Aleem Dar for not giving out as they claimed that ball touched Santner’s glove.
However, there were equally vocal supporting voices siding with the veteran umpire for his firm decision and giving the Kiwi batsman benefit of the doubt.
As it turned out, the controversial decision did not affect the play that much as New Zealand were routed for 148 in the first innings and will now be facing a target of well-above 500 to win the second test.
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