Sri Lanka’s most successful seam bowler to-date Chaminda Vaas believes that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should make the Umpires Decision Review System (UDRS) mandatory at least for all test matches in the future.
The 36-year-old Lankan spearhead who has represented his country in 111 tests and over 300 one dayers is perplexed as to why certain players are averse to the usage of the URS system. “I find it difficult to understand as to why players (some of the leading players of today) do not like the URS system. It’s a known fact that the review system ultimately gives you the correct decision after using all the technology.
Chaminda Vaas |
This is what all of us want. We need to get the correct decision, whether you are a bowler or a batsman if the correct decision is reached at the end of the day everyone will be happy. So why don’t you use the system. If countries are reluctant to use the UDRS the ICC should make it mandatory at least for tests,” insists Vaas.
The left arm seamer who retired from test cricket but still insists that he is in the running for the shorter version of the game for his country, is of the opinion that some players and captains are not fully aware how to use the Review System. In that context he says former Sri Lanka Captain Mahela Jayawardene is one player who knew exactly how to use the review system. “Mahela was brilliant and spot on and he knew how to make use of the UDRS. He knew exactly how to set about with the Review System. His success rate with the Review system was very high. But I am afraid that today most other players and captains are unable to make good use of it, and thereby they simply reject the Review System, which should not be the case,” said Vaas
Sri Lanka last used the UDRS during their home series against India in 2009 under the captaincy of Mahela Jayawardene. The Lankans used the UDRS successfully however the Indians, led by leg spinner Anil Kumble, did not enjoy the series with some of their top batters ending up as victims of the UDRS.
As it stands today the onus on the usage of the UDRS is with the home country (but with the agreement of the visiting country) as the hosts have to incur additional expense required to acquire the technology. During the last Sri Lanka-India test series played in Sri Lanka, the UDRS was not used as India was not in favour of the system.
Under UDRS, each side is allowed two unsuccessful challenges to on-field decisions per innings, before they are barred from requesting a referral for the remainder of an innings.
However, in order not to delay the game, they must make it clear within 15 seconds of the umpire’s original verdict whether they wish to call on the UDRS or not.
The third umpire, assisted by various technological aids, then rules on whether to overturn an on-field verdict.
It has been revealed that before the UDRS was introduced the success rate of umpire decisions was averaging around 95% while after the introduction of the UDRS it reached 98%.This itself is a case for the ICC to push all countries to make use of the UDRS. Apart from decreasing the incorrect decisions the UDRS has also cut down on the instances of player dissent.
Returns after successful stint for Northants
Chaminda Vaas returned to Sri Lanka earlier this week after having a successful season with the English County Northamptonshire. After playing a couple of four day games and T-20 games, Chaminda was promoted as an opener for the county during the latter part of the season. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and finished the season with over 400 runs which included four half centuries. That feat with the bat was in addition to the 23 wickets he picked up. His performance for the season earned him the most valuable player for the season, which incidentally was the first occasion when an overseas player carried away the award. The Lankan seamer, who played for the county only for two and a half months, plans to play a full season next summer for the Northants. |
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