ANDY Flower sought out match referee Javagal Srinath to voice concerns over DRS “protocol” after Andrew Strauss and Saeed Ajmal’s contentious first-Test dismissals.
The DRS departures of Pakistan spinner Ajmal, and later England captain Strauss, were two more talking points – after umpire Billy Bowden’s on-field judgments were upheld, apparently on the basis that available technology could demonstrate no incontrovertible evidence that he was wrong.
“With DRS we get more decisions right, so it’s a good addition to the game,” he said. “I think Ajmal’s dismissal was worse, very obviously not out. Strauss’ one is unfortunate – one of those examples where technology didn’t come up with the right decision.”
Flower suggests that in cases where video evidence and computer simulation back the umpire’s decision but also vindicate a team or batsman’s recourse to DRS, it is arguable that they should not be docked one of their two permissible review procedures per innings.
“That’s perhaps where the protocol needs to be investigated more fully,” he said. “I certainly don’t think you should lose a review, because it wasn’t proved one way or another. I wanted to have a chat with Srinath about both those decisions, because Ajmal’s was worse than Strauss’.
“We’re always looking for consistency from umpires. But in the main they’ve got a very tough job, so I wouldn’t want to criticise them too much.”
Ajmal’s action, and the question of whether it pushes the limits of the International Cricket Council’s permitted 15-degree straightening of the bowling arm, provided one area of controversy during England’s 10-wicket defeat in Dubai.
As for the legality of Ajmal’s action, Flower stresses that England are happy for the umpires and ICC referee to make such judgments. But he did not take an obvious chance to reiterate Strauss and wicketkeeper Matt Prior’s assurances that they, and their team, have no concerns about the angle of the off-spinner’s arm.
“Our job is to deal with whatever bowler bowls against us, and the ICC’s job is to police the game,” he said.
“I’ve got my own private views, and talking about them here and now isn’t going to help the situation. I repeat what I said – I’ve got more important matters to think about than that, and that is getting us ready for the next Test.”