After a century-long tradition of on field umpires dictating play, you the cricket audience have been up in arms about my introduction to the game. I am the Decision Review System, and I am here to pledge my case.
I have been tasked to improve on the human eye, I understand you make mistakes so I am available to you to make sure horrid umpiring decisions do not dictate our great game. But instead I have been the subject of condemnation and torrents of abuse.
The simple fact is, I am merely misunderstood. My situation is analogous to building a house whose floor fell through and then blaming the hammer.
So who's fault is it really?
India
For your "overwhelming" support. Thanks.
Your Idiotic Rules
Who came up with the bright idea of limited referrals? If you are going to impose a limit, at least be realistic and give three or more. I hear you argue that you don't want the players to waste them on 50/50 calls, but now we've landed the ludicrous situation where everyone including me knows its out except the poor sod on field who muffed it. But is it his fault? Alas no, its mine somehow.
Your Idiotic Captains
A smart captain, Mr Cook, uses me sparingly because of the aforementioned silly referral limits. He removes the howlers and the howlers only, anything that's iffy he goes with the on-field call. And voila, I hand him reviews for the rainy days.
A silly captain, Mr Clarke, uses me any which way he pleases and burns all his team reviews. When the real howler comes along I am no help. And who's fault is that? Alas, mine somehow.
Shane Watson
The bane of my existence! Stop this blonde idiot from abusing me!
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