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'What is going on': Fresh anger over 'embarrassing' Big Bash controversy

The lack of DRS in the Big Bash continues to anger Aussie cricket fans, with the Sydney Thunder the latest victims of the ongoing farce.

We seem to be writing about a new umpiring howler every week, but it keeps happening and fans are fed up.

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Melbourne Renegades star Sam Harper got a huge reprieve on Wednesday when was absolutely plumb lbw but was allowed to stay at the crease.

Sam Harper, pictured here in action for the Melbourne Renegades.
Sam Harper got an inexplicable reprieve. Image: Channel 7

Replays showed the ball was thundering into middle and leg stump yet the umpire inexplicably failed to raise the finger.

Even more inexplicable was the fact the umpire gave leg byes after the ball ricocheted to the boundary, meaning he couldn’t be forgiven for thinking Harper might have hit it.

It’s the latest example of why the Big Bash absolutely must introduce DRS next season, with fans flocking to social media to bemoan the ‘embarrassing’ farce.

Former Aussie cricketer and Channel 7 commentator Brad Hodge was among those baffled by the Harper decision.

Renegades finally taste victory

They needed some help from above but the Renegades finally posted their first win of the BBL season.

The defending champions snapped a nine-game losing streak with a rain-affected win over the Thunder in Canberra.

It wasn't comprehensive but the Renegades were able to get the monkey off their backs after posting 4-172 and keeping the Thunder to 7-122 off a revised 14 overs to secure a 12-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis system.

Thunder batsman Alex Ross (51) mounted a late fightback, blasting Mohammad Nabi for 26 runs off five balls in the 12th over, but it wasn't enough.

The Melbourne Renegades, pictured here celebrating their first win of the Big Bash season.
The Melbourne Renegades celebrate their first win of the season. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"We've got a great group of blokes. But when you're not winning, everyone was hurting a little bit after being none and nine and after the year we had last year," Renegades batsman Sam Harper said after top-scoring.

"It's just a fickle game, we haven't executed some pressure moments (this season).

"I'm sure the win tonight will get the spirits up."

Shaun Marsh and Marcus Harris put on a 49-run opening stand, before Marsh (47) put on another 49-run partnership with Harper (52) before he was caught by Chris Morris.

Harper brought up his half-century with a contentious six off Morris (1-40) in the final over but was dismissed lbw off the next ball.

Thunder opener Usman Khawaja went for a duck in the first over after he was caught behind in a brilliantly one-hander by Harper off Andrew Fekete (1-13).

Unlucky Callum Ferguson was run out at the non-striker's end after Alex Hales creamed a straight drive into Fekete's hand before it deflected onto the stumps.

The Thunder were 3-31 when Daniel Sams was plumb lbw to Nabi in the fifth over before the heavens opened and rain delayed play for 27 minutes.

When played resumed, Hales (31) went chasing the game and was caught in the deep by Webster off Dan Christian (3-14).

Morris (8) was next to hole out off Samit Patel (1-23) before Christian dismissed Lenton (2) and Ross in the final over.

"The Renegades are a good team and they were going to turn up and win a game somewhere," Ross said.

with AAP