Khawaja was given out by Tony Hill for nicking the ball to Matt Prior off the bowling of Graeme Swann, but was sure he didn’t hit it, so made the T sign and sent it upstairs for review.
Then came the howler from third umpire Kumar Dharmasena, who after the images and Hotspot showed no evidence of Khawaja hitting it, gave him out anyway.
Few were short of an opinion.
Former England captain Alec Stewart on BBC Test Match Special.
“That is a ridiculous decision by both the on & off field umpires. DRS creating yet more controversy. Any wonder players don’t walk!”
England fringe player Nick Compton.
Drs what is going on. Im sorry but what has happened to batsmen getting the benefit of the doubt?! #howler
— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) August 1, 2013
Aussie Prime Minister Kevin Rudd staying up late saw an injustice.
I’ve just sat down to watch the test. That was one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever seen. KRudd
— Kevin Rudd (@KRuddMP) August 1, 2013
New Zealand star Scott Styris has a stab at the wider issue.
Umpires protecting each other is the main reason DRS is causing controversy!
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) August 1, 2013
Former State of Origin rugby league coach Phil ‘Gus’ Gould and regular referee critic weighed in too.
The on-field umpire erred with original decision. DRS proved it was not out. The 3rd umpire f***ked it up. DRS didn’t fail. 3rd umpire did!!
— Phil Gould (@gusgould91) August 1, 2013
Victorian all-rounder Theo Doropoulos.
Excuse me @KRuddMP, if you want to win the next election, abolish the DRS and have Khawaja’s decision overturned. Landslide. #Ashes
— Theo Doropoulos (@TheoDrop) August 1, 2013
Former Aussie quick Shaun Tait.
Agreed it was poor umpiring anyway but DRS making the game look ridiculous
— Shaun Tait (@shaun_tait32) August 1, 2013
Cricket Australia played – dare we say – a straight bat.
New DRS feed to be trialled in third #Ashes Test http://t.co/PdeyFfhO2D #cricket
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) July 30, 2013
