Decision Review System

We have seen 2 tests now with what I would call 'extensive' use of the DRS.

In my mind the use of it has become a complete shambles and is doing more to mar the spectacle than it does to assist.

The rule I heard the other night was that the 3rd umpire can only overturn an on field decision where the DRS provides unequivocal evidence to the contrary.

The Agar caught behind decision is a case in point, where he was initially given not out and it was overturned by the 3rd umpire based on presumably a "noise". There was no hot spot on the bat, and therefore a clear situation where the above premise was not applied. It was a shocker and I think the Aussies can feel hard done by.

Previous decisions have remained with the field umpire's adjudication where no conclusive evidence with the DRS was provided.

But what this now demonstrates as the application of the DRS by the 3rd umpire is just not consistent.

So what faith can the players have in the system?

Added to this, you have to wonder where the old adage "Benefit of doubt to the batsman" fits into the rule book now. That doesn't seem to have a place in test cricket anymore.

And what all this does is kill the spectacle of the bat on ball contest.

Every time there is an appeal / on field decision, we wait if someone is going to appeal to the DRS.
Players given out don't walk off anymore.
Players clearly caught out don't walk off anymore.
A hearty appeal for LBW may as well be a casual "how is that", as the DRS will decide ultimately.

All in all, it is not enhancing the decision making process and it is not enhancing the spectacle of test cricket. None of the foregoing is influenced by the Australians extremely poor use of DRS either.

The rules of its use have to change and quickly.

Thoughts?

I think, for all of the hoo ha it actually hasn't improved anything at all.

Ditch it and just live with the odd howler I reckon. It all evens out in the long run.

I don't think it should be a tactical part of the game either, totally against that.

Yes, I think the first thing needed is to take it away from the players.

Equal opportunity
Give every batsman 1 referral each
2 reviews are often enough used up , denying the usage by players coming down the order
Australian tailenders would know what I'm on about

I dont think that is a bad idea, if they use their referral on a close call why not.
Now that they have side on cameras the third umpire should call a no ball if it is missed by the umpire at the bowlers end, a simple quick replay upstairs and the umpire can be notified straight away. This should not be used by an umpire to disregard the rule as it stands, but an aid to give the batsman a correct decision.

The umpires are in the habit of reviewing every dismissal for a front foot no ball now - just review every decision I reckon i.e. the 3rd umpire has a quick gander while the batsman is walking off to make sure there is no howling error.

Keep it low key and off the big screen and the television coverage, officiating should not be part of the spectacle/entertainment.

Just hold the batsman at the boundary rope until the all clear is given. TV coverage already goes to an ad break after every dismissal anyway.

Some reasonable suggestions in here.
Maybe not all would work together, but there is thought behind the process.

What we have now is certainly not working.

Chambo Off To Work We Go wrote:Some reasonable suggestions in here.
Maybe not all would work together, but there is thought behind the process.

What we have now is certainly not working.

For Australia

and yet again.......

Not Kuwarja's fault this one.

F*ck the DRS it is a croc of shite.
How the 3rd umplire could not overturn that decision is beyond me.

That is actually 2 howlers. First the main umpire and then the 3rd umpire.

This is the second one exactly the same.

Reckon the third umpire is a cheat. Who is he?
Bloody Prince William?

This cr@p is killing this game.

Utter BS.

maybe just maybe India was correct in their assessment

“ I would like to thank the International Cricket Authority for the wonderful career opportunity that they have given me in running their DRS, I can say that I truly enjoyed my first day in the new job at Old Trafford”

Stevie Wonder

The DRS is supposed to correct the "howler".

The worry I have is just how many decisions are being overturned because the umpire got it wrong. Surely they are not all howlers and I am sure they are not looking at what is transpiring.

Either the umpires in charge of this test series are shockers, or they have lost all confidence in their umpiring, knowing a challenge is just a moment away.

They just have to take this away from the players as soon as possible for the spectacle and fairness of the game.

All it is doing at the moment is undermining the central umpire. And if you lost faith and respect in him, then it all decends into farce.

It has got to change for the Ashes here.

Spot on.

Maybe next year we could run the Sheffield Shield without umpires and just leave it to a DRS on every occasion.

A virtual umpire? Or hologram just to point the finger and call, "over" and "stumps" etc.

Maybe a head on a stick like Dicky Knee?