Broad 'not out' decision exposes 'fatal flaws' in 'inconsistent' DRS

The opening Ashes Test has revealed strong inconsistencies in the protocols governing technology, the Decision Review System (DRS), which was exposed as farcical when England all-rounder Stuart Broad remained on the crease after being given a not-out despite clearly edging a ball.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, a bizarre umpiring decision took cricket back to the pre-technology age when television umpire Marais Erasmus was powerless to change Aleem Dar's decision to give Broad not out despite him clearly edging a ball from young Australian spinner Ashton Agar.

Although the DRS was designed to eliminate howlers such as this, but the Australians could not ask for the decision to be referred because they had used up the two incorrect reviews allowed in each innings.

The report further said that the on-field umpire has the discretion to consult with the third umpire if he is unsure only in the case of run out, stumping and hit wicket decisions, clean catches, boundary decisions, obstructing the field and batsmen running to the same end.

However, the report explained that Erasmus was unable to intervene despite having a range of technological aids at his disposal, and the incident during the tense final session of the third day handed England a decisive advantage in the game.

The DRS inconsistencies have threatened to create resentments that could rumble through the series, with England complaining when Erasmus wrongly overturned the on-field umpire's decision and gave Jonathan Trott out LBW, without definitive evidence about an inside edge as a key camera was on record mode.

However, the report added, Agar was legitimately, given the benefit of the doubt when replays did not conclusively show he had been stumped early in his incredible 98 on debut.

During the Ashes Test in Adelaide in 2010, Australian skipper Michael Clarke had apologised for refusing to leave the crease when he was caught at short leg off Pietersen's occasional spin, although he later tweeted that he was given out after a video review.