Michael Clarke is the savviest, most inventive and entertaining captain in cricket. When he’s playing a result is almost certain and he rarely lets a game float along. For example, his Steve Smith bowling change was a masterstroke. Then why is he so inept when it comes to the Decision Review System (DRS)?

The first Test and first two days of the second at Lord’s showed up the difference between the two sides so far – smarter use of the video umpire. While Alastair Cook’s measured policy is to have a mother’s meeting after every decision by the umpire and only review if certain, Clarke and crew love to dance the dyslexic YMCA and make the T sign.

For Cook, not wasting referrals in the first Test won it for them. How Brad Haddin’s nick wasn’t given by the umpire is baffling, but the Hot Spot showed it and he was gone. Game over. If Cook had been Clarke, Haddin could have scored 14 more runs and taken the Aussies – undeservedly mind you – to Lord’s 1-0 up in the series. 

Annoyingly, most chat after that riveting Test was about the DRS, or Stuart Broad not walking when he smashed one. Note none of the Aussies and few former players said he should have walked. At worst, Mark Waugh said he just looked a bit stupid. Of course, it wouldn’t have been a problem if Clarke didn’t waste his reviews.

Did the Aussies learn from it for Lord’s? No. Shane Watson, who is always plumb LBW in front, reviewed when he was just that in the first innings. Then Phil Hughes nicked one, got given and reviewed – the video proved the umpire right. Selfishness is the only explanation for these two going upstairs. Chris Rogers, probably fearing the lack of reivews, didn’t go upstairs and he was not out. Again.

All reviews were gone then with no chance for Australia to overturn a howler. When we went to press, there were three days of cricket to go and I hope the second Test isn’t/ wasn’t decided on sensible use of DRS, but there’s every chance it will be, and Australia will have no one to blame but themselves. 

» Agree or disagree? What do you think of DRS? letters@tntmagazine.com

 

Origin format not fair for NRL clubs 

Another year, another Queensland win in State of Origin – eight in a row is incredible – and another massive loss for the fans of the NRL who support their clubs week in week out.  

Every year it’s the same – clubs get stripped of their best players for at least three weeks, not factoring in the inevitable injuries. Splitting rounds with half the amount of games during an Origin period makes a bit of difference, and is fairer, but it’s still a massive drain on teams with Origin stars, and a rip-off for fans who buy tickets and get B-level line-ups. 

In NRL CEO Dave Smith’s unenviable shoes, I’d play Origin over two weeks with games on the Friday, Wednesday and Sunday. No NRL Games for a fortnight. Other games could include country origin,  indigenous teams and other internationals. NSW and Qld would need squads to pull this off, but something needs to change for clubs fans while the NRL fills its boots.

 

Photo: Getty