The debate over the implementation of the DRS (Decision Review System) in international cricket was given further fuel on Friday during the third ODI between India and Australia at Ranchi.
The controversy occurred during the 32nd over of Australia’s innings when Kuldeep Yadav wrapped Aaron Finch on the pads before breaking into a loud appeal. On-field umpire C Shamshuddin had no hesitation in raising his finger but the decision was immediately reviewed by the Aussie skipper.
Although the on-field umpire’s original decision was upheld, there seemed to be a glaring error in the ball-tracking technology used for the DRS review. To the naked eye, Kuldeep’s delivery looked to be pitching somewhere between the off and middle stumps before striking Finch on the pads.
OUT! Finch is gone LBW for 93, agonisingly short of a hundred.
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) March 8, 2019
Australia 1-193 (31.5 overs)
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However, ball-tracking actually showed the delivery to be pitching on leg-stump, a sight which had the commentators and several players on social media in bewilderment.
The ultimate decision might have well been correct but the discrepancy in the ball-tracking technology is bound to generate another talking point in the ongoing DRS implementation debate.
Finch missed out on a superb ton in the end by seven runs but the Australian skipper will be delighted to finally find some form after what has been a horrendous last few months with the bat for him.
