The SNEAKY trick Steve Smith used to get free DRS reviews against India, where pundits call for ‘unreliable rule’ change
- Steve Smith appealed to his cricket IQ in Indore
- Loophole generated ‘extra’ DRS umpire reviews
- Some cricket fans and journalists were impressed
- Australia need 76 runs to win the Third Test
Stand in Australian Test cricket captain Steve Smith has cleverly exploited a loophole to generate additional DRS reviews against India.
Smith, 33, fills in for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is back home because his mother is terminally ill.
Known for his cricket IQ, Smith watched on a number of occasions on day two of the third Test at Indore as wicketkeeper Alex Carey bailed after one of his three spinners – Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann – beat the perimeter of the bat.
Carey’s “sharp” glove work then forced the third umpire to review the throw for a stumping.
As part of their due diligence, the third umpire then also assessed whether the Indian batsman was out behind.
Stand in Australian Test captain Steve Smith has used a loophole to generate additional DRS ratings against India
Whenever wicket-keeper Alex Carey (left) hit the bail after a pitch had beaten the perimeter of the bat, the third umpire judged the ball to be a stump and was left – the tactic also ensured the Aussies didn’t burn any of their three . DRS ratings
Nathan Lyon scored 8/64 on day two at Indore as Australia look to win the third Test
Smith and Carey used the tactic on the pitch repeatedly, with Australia receiving much more than their official three DRS ratings.
The Aussies took control of the match, which has remarkably seen 30 wickets over two match days.
Smith’s tactics also did not go unnoticed by engaged cricket fans and journalists around the world.
While some were impressed, others called for the “unreliable rule” to be changed.
Abhishek Mukherjee of Wisden India tweeted, “Top thinking by Steve Smith and Australia. Call on stumping, they check for backlog and you don’t lose a rating.’
Veteran Aussie sports journalist Bernie Coen added: ‘Steve Smith with yet ANOTHER call for a stumping because he wants a caught behind judged! “I can see an ICC rule change coming with umpires asking what you want to revise if this becomes a trend!!!
“It’s smart of the skipper, but I don’t like it.”
Australia need just 76 runs in their second innings to win the third Test – but the hosts have already secured the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head will face the new ball on Friday, with Ravi Ashwin looming as the main danger with ball in hand.