The review system was the subject of unwanted attention at Lord's again. TOI points out why...
Phil Hughes c Prior b Bresnan The No. 4 batsman chased a wide delivery off Bresnan and there was a meek appeal from the 'keeper and slip fielders for a caught-behind verdict. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena though raised his finger, prompting the batsman to call for a review.
While the stump microphone did pick up a sound, the Hot Spot replays proved inconclusive. Third umpire
Tony Hill, however, decided there was enough audio evidence to send the batsman on his way. Hughes understandably was disappointed.
Times View: If the Hot Spot is meant to aid the umpires while adjudicating on DRS decisions, the replays better be conclusive. If the umpires rely on only audio evidence, why have the Hot Spot in the first place?
Chris Rogers lbw SwannShane Watson had already wasted a review after he called for one when he was plumb in front of the stumps to Bresnan. Hence, when Rogers missed a full toss off
Graeme Swann and got hit on the box, he chose not to ask for the review as the ball looked to be hitting the southpaw in front of middle and leg. After he trudged off, Hawk-Eye showed that the ball would have missed leg-stump.
Times View: If the DRS was meant to eradicate the howlers, surely the third umpire could have got in touch with his on-field colleague and told him the ball was missing the stumps.