Controversial Ashes DRS decision explained after Jamie Smith wicket | Cricket | Sport
England batsman Jamie Smith was controversially dismissed during a thrilling opening Ashes Test against Australia in Perth following a lengthy DRS review. The Surrey wicket-keeper found himself given OUT after a five-minute delay, with officials eventually ruling he had edged a delivery from Australian debutant Brendan Doggett.
Smith had arrived at the crease with England under severe pressure on day two of what has proven a captivating start to the highly-anticipated series. Once more, it was Mitchell Starc who inflicted the crucial blows for Australia, claiming another three wickets to complement his magnificent seven-wicket haul from the first innings.
Starc removed Joe Root and England skipper Stokes in quick-succession as the visitors tumbled from 65-1 to 104-7 when Smith was eventually sent packing. Nevertheless, that dismissal sparked significant debate.
The on-field umpire had initially signalled not out before Australia’s appeal triggered a reversal via DRS. TV umpire, Sharfuddoula Saikat, said: “I can see a spike as the ball has just past the bat. My decision will be change your decision from not out to out.”
The decision caused widespread astonishment among spectators, on social media and from prominent commentators and experts covering the Ashes curtain-raiser. Speaking on TNT Sports, Rob Hatch said: “Wow. That is incredible.
“I mean it’s out or it’s not out isn’t it? And that took a long, long time. Was there enough deviation there? The deal is Jamie Smith has been given out – caught behind – and that took over five minutes for [TV] umpire Sharfuddoula to decide.
“The fans are perplexed. Looking around the commentary box, as are we.”
Nevertheless, while the prevailing view suggested that Smith had been treated harshly, particularly considering the lengthy deliberation required for the decision to be overturned, former England skipper Michael Vaughan reckons the correct call was reached, despite the on-screen delay.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, he said: “The England fans are in disgust Smith got a feather on that. [But] That went on too long.
“I think if you are a third umpire you need to look at body language. Jamie Smith just walked off, that was not the body language of a man who is innocent.”
The Barmy Army were, indeed, in disgust. Yet they channelled considerable hostility towards Australia for lodging the appeal initially, with chants of “Same old Aussies, always cheating” echoing throughout the Optus Stadium.
Smith contributed 15 runs from 25 balls during his second knock as England constructed their advantage, having been dismissed down the leg side by Australian gloveman Alex Carey.
Jonathan Agnew also pondered the Smith decision. The Test Match Special presenter said: “I don’t know about that one, but Jamie Smith just walked off. If he knew he wasn’t out, there’s always a temptation to argue with the decision.”
