DRS Controversy Hits Durban Test As Sri Lanka Miss Out On Wicket

Yet another controversy related to the Decision Review System took place on Wednesday during the ongoing first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Durban. And it was the visitors who paid the price in the controversy as they took more than 15 seconds to review a decision against South Africa batsman Hashim Amla in the very second over of the first day after the Proteas star was pinned on the pads by a delivery from Vishwa Fernando.

On-field umpire Aleem Dar told Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne that it was already past the 15-second barrier that captain’s have in hand to decide and appeal against the on-field call. However, Dar was at fault too. According to the rules, the umpires are needed to inform the players after 10 second but he forgot. The replays later showed that Amla would have been out had the visitors reviewed the decision in time.

Section 3.2.2 of the ICC’s Test playing conditions stipulate that: “The total time elapsed between the ball becoming dead and the review request being made shall be no more than 15 seconds,” and “If the on-field umpires believe that a request has not been made within the 15 second time limit, they shall decline the request for a Player Review.”

There were, however, more twists and turns in the story. According to the TV broadcasters, Karunaratne’s signal for the DRS was within the 15 seconds. Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, who was commentating at that time,  slammed the on-field official’s decision, saying:

“I have seen people take longer than that to review.”

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, did not have to wait long to dismiss Amla as the veteran batsman departed after scoring just three. The Islanders then went on to dismiss the Proteas for a modest 235.  South Africa kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were in danger of getting all out for less than 200. However, an 80-run knock from Quinton de Kock helped them post 235. For Sri Lanka, Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler, picking up 4 wickets.