AUS V SA: Marsh LBW raises doubts over DRS

Photo: cricket.com.au (Twitter) New Delhi: At a time when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally agreed to use DRS (Decision Review System) in the upcoming England series, the system has again proved to be faulty in the on-going Australia Vs South Africa test match at Perth. A Kagiso Rabada in swing delivery struck Australian all-rounder Mitchell Mrash’s pad on an up and down WACA wicket. As the appeal for an LBW was turned down, South African team went for a review and amazingly the ball-tracking technology of DRS showed more than 50% of the ball clipping the leg stump, while experts thought otherwise. The decision was reversed and Australia lost the crucial wicket of Marsh (26), handing Rabada his fourth victim of the innings. The ball-tracking of DRS was widely criticised by former Australian captains Michaele Clarke and Mark Taylor. Both the vastly experienced Australian batsmen felt the ball would have certainly missed the leg stump. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson also took to twitter to vent out his anger against the DRS.

Just saw Mitch Marsh's lbw.... what a crock of $&@! DRS system = Failure.

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 7, 2016

This is the second time the Decision Review System has come under scanner in this test match. Australian captain Steve Smith was given out LBW even after skipping down the track a long way to Keshav Maharaj on Day 2. Australia ended up losing the match by 177 runs handing a 1-0 lead to South Africa in the three-match Test series. Interestingly, BCCI has always opposed the use of DRS, citing the reason of it not being full proof. The Indian board finally agreed to use the system after head coach Anil Kumble played an active role in persuading the matter.  

.@mitchmarsh235 is OUT! #AUSvSA #9WWOS https://t.co/p2Wvj1JBNO — Wide World of Sports (@wwos) November 7, 2016