‘Umpire's Call' Raises India's Hackles

The contentious ‘umpire’s call’ in the Decision Review System (DRS) has been a cause of annoyance for the Indian team in the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The Australian batsmen have got as many as three lives in the Test so far due to this provision in the DRS.

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BACK TO YOU, UMPIRE! Players wait for a DRS review to be completed

BOTH OUT & NOT OUT!

“The reason players opt for a review is because they’re unhappy with the decision taken by the on-field umpire. The DRS system needs to be thoroughly looked into by the @ICC, especially for the ‘Umpires Call’.” —Sachin Tendulkar

“If the ball hits the stumps, it cannot be out and not out at the same time.” —Shane Warne

In Australia’s first innings, a Mohammed Siraj delivery struck Tim Paine flush on the pad and it seemed to be a straightforward leg before call, but the on-field umpire ruled not out. India captain Ajinkya Rahane decided to take the review and replays showed that the ball was clipping the leg stump. It was an umpire’s call, therefore Paine survived.