The Vodafone Test Series between Australia and India is but a couple of days old and already there has been controversy regarding India’s decision not to embrace the Decision Review System (DRS).

On day one of the first test Australia got off to a flying start after weathering some quality Indian bowling. However, only to be let down by two decisions which could go a long way in deciding the result. Not only for this test but possibly the series.

Australia were looking solid on the first day at 4-205. They had just lost Michael Clarke but had Cowan and Hussey at the crease and were just about to unleash on an older ball before the umpires took that away from them.

First, Mike Hussey was adjudged to have hit a Zaheer Khan delivery and sent on his way. Replays showed there was no contact and he should not have been walking back to the sheds. Had the Decision Review System been in place for this series, Hussey would have questioned the decision and Australia would have continued with the loss of just 3 wickets.

Another duck for Hussey but this one extremely unlucky. It shows that umpire decisions don’t just have an effect on results, they can also end or prolong careers. Should Hussey fail in the second innings that could spell the end of his career and give another chance to someone like Usman Khawaja.

Not long after Hussey’s dismissal, the omission of the Decision Review System was called into question once again. Ed Cowan was adjudged to have nicked an Ashwin delivery behind to Dhoni to leave Australia 6 down.

Replays once again showed that the ball was not touched and an Australian was harshly given out. All due to a decision by the BCCI not to embrace technology that has proven to improve decision making in International Cricket.

The fact that the tourists are allowed to pick and choose which technology they embrace is an absolute embarrassment for our game. It came to light yesterday that India have allowed umpire reviews which enabled Rahul Dravid to escape losing his wicket to a Peter Siddle delivery.

Dravid was bowled but the umpires received a call from above telling them Siddle had overstepped the line. This allowed Dravid to remain at the crease and end the day not out on 68.

It really makes no sense that the Indians are allowing some technology but have decided against the Decision Review System. The double standard really is baffling and I fear that this could come back to haunt Australia in the four test series. Ed Cowan has already been robbed of a possible debut century. Mike Hussey could have played his last test for Australia following his unfortunate dismissal.

The Decision Review System was implemented for a reason. The sooner the Indian’s get with the times, the quicker the sport can move out of the dark ages and we can avoid this sort of controversy.

Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments section. Do you agree that the Decision Review System needs to be implemented in all Test Matches or are India right in deciding not to embrace the technology?

Sportingbet Australia