Aussies intent on improving DRS record
AUSTRALIA’S ineffective use of the Decision Review System has become a concern during the Test series.
England, in contrast, have repeatedly used referrals to overturn on-field decisions.
Captain Tim Paine and coach Justin Langer have acknowledged there is room for improvement, as have vicecaptains Pat Cummins and Travis Head.
Paine’s referral of Cummins’ optimistic lbw shout in Leeds was one of many what-if moments in the final hour of the third Test. It robbed Australia of their final review, which could have been used to secure a one-run victory by overturning a not-out verdict from Joel Wilson soon after.
Australia’s leaders have discussed how best to approach the DRS and the solution was simple and remains in place. “Just use it,” Cummins said. “Sometimes batsmen are scared to use one. They don’t want to leave their mate down the other end stranded without a review.
“When we’re bowling, it’s a really tough one ... we had a bit of a chat about maybe changing some of the processes. Obviously we need to improve.”
Part of Australia’s problem is Paine is both wicketkeeper and captain, whereas Joe Root will always have Jonny Bairstow to turn to for a second opinion when a bowler is adamant something is out.
Cummins and Paine both felt last week’s pivotal lbw shout was not out but for different reasons, which caused enough doubt for the desperate captain to roll the dice.
“As a keeper, sometimes you can be a bit blinded. I know as a bowler I always find it hard to judge because my head is normally facing extra cover when I release the ball,” Cummins said.