Common sense can solve the DRS problem

If we cast our mind back a few years to Sydneygate, we can recall that the furore over that test match was due to howlers not being corrected. Its nearly five years later, the technology to remove those howlers has existed this entire time, but the ICC still cannot use reason to solve a simple issue.

The BCCI have objected mainly to the use of DRS for lbw dismissals. The basis of the system should be to try and get rid of the howlers rather than look at marginal calls. Invariably, lbw decisions end up becoming marginal. It is almost impossible to predict exactly what the ball will do after hitting the pads but a good umpire can approximately decide the projected path. The problem though with the system is that it lies in the hands of the players.

If control of challenging for a review rests with the players, the DRS can be used for tactical purposes and more out of hope than reason. Handing control to the third umpire to see whether or not a wrong decision has been made would give the system a better chance of completing the task it had been introduced for. This would ensure that marginal decisions are not challenged and that howlers can be eliminated. The fact that this change still has not taken place nearly five years after its introduction proves how far the ICC have developed it. Bowlers do not feel hard done by when the umpire missing a very faint nick. He will feel aggrieved if the umpire misses a thick edge. Hot spot may offer a solution in this respect but it should not be for these again are marginal decisions.

The silliest problem that the DRS faces in being wholly welcomed is the opposition from the BCCI. This is the same country that wanted justice after they felt wronged but now they refuse to put the system in place. The story behind the BCCI not using it has more to do with financial issues than with any objection they may have to it. It may also have to do with the fact that the IPL does not have it in place. With the current tax bill that they have hit up, their stance remains unlikely to change. Common sense though can solve all these issues.

The ICC needs to gather some courage and enforce DRS as a compulsory addition for all series. The BCCI needs to accept that it cannot illogically deny the use of DRS and it cannot also gag former players about to speak on this topic. They need to accept that their stand is against every logical fibre existing within man. And most importantly, the DRS should be removed from the control of the players and handed to the third umpire. The howlers will slowly start disappearing, the game speed would quicken up, and most importantly, the correct decision would be made.

Pakistan ride on Jamshed ton to win first ODI

India vs Pakistan, 1st One Day International, Chennai

Pakistan 228-4 (Jamshed 101*, Younus 58) beat India 227-6 (Dhoni 113*, Junaid 4-43) by six wickets

Pakistan rode on a superb century from Nasir Jamshed to take a 1-0 lead in the series against India. Jamshed batted with patience and poise after the Pakistani bowling had restricted the hosts to 227 earlier in the day. MS Dhoni's brilliant 113 was all in vain as Jamshed, who was well supported by Younus Khan, brought up his hundred with a pull past mid-wicket that took Pakistan to within four runs of victory. Shoaib Malik sealed it with a boundary. India also had an injury scare as Virat Kohli limped off the field after slipping during bowling his last over.

Earlier, Junaid Khan was instrumental in demolishing the Indian top order through swing and seam. He kept hitting timber as 3 of his 4 wickets were bowled. Rohit Sharma then received a devilish leg cutter which bounced on him and was snaffled at 3rd slip by Mohammad Hafeez to reduce India to 29-5. Dhoni then engineered a recovery and was well supported by Suresh Raina and Ashwin as India managed to put up 227 in their 50 over.

That seemed a competitive score as Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, on debut, got rid of Hafeez with his first ball. Azhar Ali was dismissed soon after but Younus and Jamshed then formed a partnership which the Indians found difficult to break. Both had poor umpiring decisions to thank for not ending their innings earlier. Jamshed was caught of the bowling of Ashwin at slip from an inside edge onto pad while Younus should have been adjudged lbw. Yuvraj Singh then put down Jamshed when he was on 66, and that effectively sealed India's fate.

A view from the top: Iconic voices from the commentary box

Richie Benaud, Australia

Possibly the most iconic voice in televised cricket. Benaud started commentating after he retired in 1964  and has not looked back since. He has covered cricket from all four corners of the world and more.

As a player, he was an effective legspinner and a decent batsmen. Benaud captained Australia and was an influential figure in leading a more flamboyant style of play. He was also captain during the 1960-61 series against the West Indies which included the first ever tied test. His legacy extended into the commentary box when he retired.

For numerous seasons, Benaud has covered test cricket and has numerous signature catchphrases including the classic "Got 'im" and "Marvelous". He has covered test cricket for the BBC and Channel 4 in England, and for Channel 9 in Australia for whom he still covers test cricket. He was also an influential figure in Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket during the late '70s.  Benaud covered his last game in England during the 2005 Ashes series, one which was rated the greatest of all time.

A legend wherever he goes, Benaud is an immortal figure in cricket broadcasting and has also released his own book. He has covered over 500 test matches since he began his media career and has also witnessed many controversial incident including the underarm incident involving Greg Chappell and his brother Trevor during a one day international against New Zealand. We salute Richie Benaud as our first iconic voice from the commentary box.