'Flawed': David Warner DRS drama divides cricket fans
Debate over the accuracy and use of technology in cricket's Decision Review System (DRS) has been reignited by a couple of contentious incidents on day two of the fifth Ashes Test.
David Warner's dismissal and an unsuccessful review from Joe Root later in Australia's first innings both raised eyebrows at the Oval on Friday as England survived a dramatic four-over burst to emerge with a 78-run lead at stumps on day two of the fifth Test.
Warner, struggling terribly for form, was given not out by umpire Marais Erasmus when he played at a wide delivery from Jofra Archer in the third over of the innings.
But he was sent on his way for just five when Ultra Edge technology detected a spike from the end of his bat, despite replays suggesting there was a gap between bat and ball.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among those who criticised the decision.
Fans were also divided about the contentious incident on social media.
Something didn’t seem right about that one ... https://t.co/q5Nr6GNx86
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 13, 2019
#Ashes This is where DRS is stupid, Warner clearly missed it, umpire gave him not our decision should have stayed
— HΛWK (@HawkReport) September 13, 2019
Warner wasn't as demonstrative as you'd expect someone who'd just been dudded to be, but I don't know. I gave up on DRS a long time ago.
— Sam (@branners31) September 13, 2019
Warner’s decision one of the worst I’ve seen under DRS. Unlike VAR, DRS howlers are rare.
— Jugsy AVFC (@JUGSYAVFC) September 13, 2019
How DRS works: umpire gave it not out, digital evidence is sketchy at best, but Warner didn't throw a tantrum, so he must have been out.#Ashes2019
— Greg Baum (@GregBaum) September 13, 2019
Warner was not out! What kind of BS DRS was this. There was day light between ball and bat! WTF! #Ashes
— Hashim Ahmed (@thehashimahmed) September 13, 2019
Absolutly no way David Warner edged that. DRS is flawed. #TheAshes
— DC (@DanClarkSports) September 13, 2019
David Warner's dismissal has divided opinions on social media and in the commentary box #Ashes2019 #ENGvAUS https://t.co/G0sLgTn0t6
— The Cricket Times (@CricketTimesHQ) September 13, 2019
Ricky Ponting later revealed Warner had told the Australian dressing room that he felt he may have got a slight touch.
Wade survives after more DRS drama
But there was confusion later in Australia's disappointing first innings total of 225 when England reviewed a not out decision against Matthew Wade.
Umpire Kumar Dharmasena said Wade got a big inside edge on to his pad but fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge appeared not to detect it when he reviewed the footage, opting to check the ball tracking technology to see if the ball would have hit the stumps.
Ex-Australia skipper Ponting failed to hide his surprise at Palliyaguruge's decision before Wade was eventually reprieved on seven and then falling shortly after to Sam Curran for 19.
"This shouldn't have gone to ball tracking," Ponting said on Sky Sports.
"It's as plain as day, it's hit the inside edge of Matthew Wade's bat. The reaction from Wade was 'hang on, why has this gone to ball tracker!?'"
Steve Smith maintained players still had faith in the ultra edge technology despite the confusion on Friday.
"Anything you've got there that can help umpires ultimately get the right decision I think that's beneficial," Smith said.
"In regards to this (Warner) instance, I don't really know what happened there.
"It looked from the eye there was bit of a gap between bat and ball. But the spike comes up, that's it.
"It was unfortunate but it is what it is."