OTD | The review system for umpiring decisions was trialed for the first time in 2008 

The Sydney Test match in early 2008 wasn’t just known for the ‘Monkey-gate’ scandal but also was known for the disastrous decisions during the game. Most of the decisions came against the Indian side as umpire Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor were called out for their wrong calls during the game. 

As the need and cry for technology in cricket got louder, there were changes set to be made. The first Test between India and Sri Lanka in 2008 was the first ever time the Decision Review System came into place. 

Virender Sehwag in fact was the first ever batter to be given out via the DRS system to the great Muttiah Muralitharan. Sri Lanka won the game with ease but a huge system was set in place and the birth of technology in cricket firmly took place. 

Decision Review System: 16 years later

Then Indian skipper Anil Kumble while giving thoughts about the system had called it an experiment. The Indian side wasn’t too pleased with the system and MS Dhoni and the BCCI didn’t use the system during their home or away series. Many former voices called out the BCCI for this and made their displeasure known. It was only after Virat Kohli took over the Test captaincy that DRS was used in India. 

There have been lots of controversies over the use of the technology as well. During a game between Australia and New Zealand, the Kiwis went up for an appeal against Nathan Lyon. Nigel Llong was heard saying on TV “There is a mark on the bat, but it could have come from anywhere”. This left the Kiwis seeing red as there was a clear spike of the bat as seen on the Hot Spot technology. 

Even now there is massive debate on the umpire’s call feature. Many teams aren’t pleased with the way the umpires’ call decisions are being. Despite DRS being 16 years old there have been calls to make it better. Watching cricket is effective, Tennis also uses reviews for tight calls while Football uses VAR. 

The India versus Sri Lanka Test in 2008 though marked the end of cricket umpiring as we know it. With technology becoming too dominant and apparent, DRS has assumed huge significance and has become a staple diet for modern-day cricket for both the players and the officials. 

Also read: England won an Ashes Test at Lord’s after 75 years in 2009