(REUTERS) – The first day of the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) in England earned mixed reviews from both teams yesterday after Eoin Morgan won his appeal for survival and went on to a maiden Test century.
Morgan was unbeaten on 125 as England closed day one of the first Test against Pakistan on 331 for four at Trent Bridge and were well-placed to control the game. Morgan, though, was indebted to the DRS for his ton.
Sri Lanka umpire Asoka de Silva gave him out lbw to leg-spinner Danish Kaneria when he was on 78, only for Morgan’s appeal to be upheld by the third umpire.
“I had a bit of doubt in my mind and Colly (Paul Collingwood) walked down the wicket and said, ‘I think you should review it’,” Morgan told reporters. “It’s the first time I’ve used (the DRS) so I’m pretty happy.”
Pakistan, who had used the DRS on tour in New Zealand and Australia in recent months, suffered most from the system yesterday but the technology ultimately upheld justice on each of the five occasions a review was requested.
Pakistan made two unsuccessful appeals just after lunch in successive Mohammad Asif overs that both involved Kevin Pietersen. The first was an lbw and the second for a catch behind.
England made a good start with the DRS as Jonathan Trott correctly challenged an lbw decision that went against him off Kaneria. Trott had got an inside edge on to pad.
Trott also challenged his dismissal — lbw to Mohammad Aamer — but that time was not successful.
Pakistan felt they had played the system right even though they lost their two allocated reviews early.
“To be honest I thought they were out (the Pietersen appeals) from where I was standing,” Pakistan’s Umar Amin said. “I was at gully for the first one and point for the second.
“It is a good system if it goes in your favour,” Amin added with a smile.
Someone who may not be too pleased with its permanent introduction is de Silva. He gave Morgan and Trott out only to be overruled both times and was heckled by spectators who were able to see the replay on the big screen.