The Decision Review System (DRS) that's being implemented in the World Cup for the first time has drawn flak due to the insufficient technologic aid. However, had it not been for the DRS, Pakistan could well have headed to Kandy on Friday for their next two ties with a fixing cloud hovering over them yet again.
The advantages of the DRS came to the fore on Thursday night when umpires Nigel Llong and Daryl Harper, especially the latter, had an off day during Pakistan's Group A tie against Canada. During Canada's run chase, five of the umpiring decisions - all related to lbw appeals - were challenged by either sides and all were reversed by the third umpire.
MORE APPEALS
So it didn't come as a surprise when Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi wanted more unsuccessful appeals to be allowed to both the teams.
"I think it is good because one decision can change the course of the match. It should be there and I think the number of referrals allowed should be raised to four from two, because two are not proving enough." Besides the umpiring blunders, the system's use also came under the scanner when Pakistani players objected to the Canadians relying on signals from the dressing room before referring a couple of decisions.
{{/usCountry}}"I think it is good because one decision can change the course of the match. It should be there and I think the number of referrals allowed should be raised to four from two, because two are not proving enough." Besides the umpiring blunders, the system's use also came under the scanner when Pakistani players objected to the Canadians relying on signals from the dressing room before referring a couple of decisions.
{{/usCountry}}Canada’s Ashish Bagai, who benefited from the DRS, was also not entirely happy with the way DRS was applied. "There was a bit of controversy over the use of it," he said.
PONTING'S TAKE
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting timed it very nicely on Friday. "At the start of the tournament, when we found they are using the DRS without the hot spot, it was a bit of a shock. I think the hot spot should be a part of the system," Ponting said.
"You have to understand that it won’t be perfect. But at the end of the day we will still be getting more correct decisions that will be good for the game."