'Contentious' DRS decisions pile on agony for Proteas in Lord's Test

 

London, Aug 17: The first day of the crucial Lord's Test between England and South Africa was marred by a number of controversial decisions given under the much-debated Decision Review System(DRS), as the Proteas ended the day at 262 for seven.

The DRS played the most significant component in shaping the match on the first day.

James Anderson appealed for a ball outside off against captain Graeme Smith and despite a clear sound as it passed the bat the umpire denied the appeal.

England asked for a review, which clearly indicated that the ball had grazed an edge at the precise moment the bat thudded into the ground, making it difficult for the umpire to make a call, but he gave it out.

The other controversial decision came as Alviro Petersen was given marching orders when he gloved a short ball from Steve Finn down the leg side.

Replays showed that his hand might or might not have been off the bat at the moment of impact, which would have rendered a verdict null and void, but the batsman was given out.

The most contentious decision was made during Jacques Kallis' dismissal. The all rounder had just faced eight balls when England went up for a huge appeal for a catch behind.

But on a nod from the wicketkeeper, Matt Prior, England asked for another review, and after an age of replays from every angle there was no concrete visual evidence that the ball had taken Kallis' glove.

There was, however, a noise at the key point and this swayed the third umpire Rod Tucker, which angered Proteas captain Graeme Smith, and even Kallis walked off the pitch hesitatingly.

England clearly appeared to get lucky when Kallis was given out when it seemed as though his glove was not holding the bat.

The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) has continuously opposed the DRS system due to its inconsistent performance, and the first day at the Lord's Test has done little to remove their fears.