Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal on the final day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has ignited fierce debate and divided opinions about the Decision Review System (DRS) and the processes followed by third umpires. It all happened when the southpaw, batting on a well-earned 84, was given not out on the field for a caught-behind off a Pat Cummins bouncer. However, the third umpire, Sharfuddoula, overturned the decision despite Real-time Snicko (ultra-edge) showing no conclusive evidence of an edge.
The third umpire overruled the on-field decision based on a deflection visible in the regular replays. The replays revealed a clear deflection, so the third umpire relied on the deflection in the replay and overturned the on-field decision.
Sports Now spoke with an international umpire who requested anonymity and termed the process adopted by the third umpire in the Jaiswal dismissal ‘wrong’ and ‘inconsistent’.
Offering a critical analysis of the decision-making process, the umpire stressed the importance of consistent protocol in using technology.
“The problem is with the protocol, with what he has done. These guys are following a certain kind of process, like sometimes they are considering, sometimes [they are] not considering [the same evidence]. So, the process is not consistent. It’s not about right and wrong,” he said.
Elaborating further on the correct use of technology in such situations, the official said, “Once you have gone for ultra-edge, why you have come back? Because once he followed the process of normal replay, and since he was not sure, he went for ultra-edge, right?”
Drawing a parallel with LBW decisions, where replays might clearly show a gap between bat and ball, negating the need for ultra-edge, he stated that once ultra-edge is consulted and shows a spike, previous visual interpretations become irrelevant.
When asked about the process of reviewing decisions, the international umpire explained the correct decision-making process and said, “First, there is a fair ball, right? Then, there is a front view. In [the] front view, you see, replay, one more time, slow, this, that. And if you are not sure, you go for ultra-edge.” Giving another analogy, he said, “There is 10th class, 12th class and finally BA. After BA, do you come back to 10th class?” emphasizing the illogical nature of reverting to visual evidence after consulting ultra-edge.
When asked if the current DRS system is adequate, he said, “The system is perfect. There is nothing wrong with it. The person who uses it is not consistent.”
Finally, when asked about the impact of such decisions on the spirit of the game, the umpire concluded, “You can’t say that. That is the mistake of some empire. You can’t spoil the whole game.”
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