Cricket: The Ashes: An ugly head appears again-it’s the DRS

The picture is self explanatory (source: World Cricket Watch)

I’m talking about the controversial, and at times flawed, Decision Review System (DRS).  Since its inception at the top level, the amount of criticism the system has copped has seen India not use it during series, and all manner of other types of howlers have made it look like cricket’s worst nightmare.

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Umpiring is a tricky job; but there’s definitely an upside

Australian umpire Simon Taufel in action (India Today)

I don’t envy the job sport referees, umpires and judges have.  They must make split second decisions under pressure, and they make them numerous times in a game.

Being able to make these decisions is a burden unto itself.  Faced with two teams on the field, the umpire must be the principle instigator of ensuring said teams play the game in a fair and sportsmenlike manner.  At times you are faced with player arguments, heated battles and a lot of noise directed towards you.

As a (rookie) cricket umpire myself, for the Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association*, I have experienced all of these situations under a range of “game circumstances”.