Ben Stokes Calls for Overhaul of Umpire’s Call in DRS After Controversial Dismissals in England’s Defeat

Amidst England’s disheartening defeat in the third Test against India in Rajkot, all-rounder Ben Stokes has raised concerns over the Decision Review System (DRS), particularly urging for the elimination of umpire’s call following contentious dismissals, including Zak Crawley’s lbw dismissal.

Stokes voiced his frustration after Crawley’s second-innings dismissal, where the on-field decision to give him out lbw to Jasprit Bumrah was upheld despite the projected path of the ball indicating it would miss the top of leg stump. The England skipper, alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, sought clarification from match referee Jeff Crowe post-match.

Expressing his dismay, Stokes emphasized the need for clarity and fairness, stating, “If the ball is hitting the stumps, it is hitting the stumps.” He highlighted the impact of such decisions but acknowledged they are not the sole reason for England’s defeat.

Stokes’ remarks come after a series of controversial decisions, including Ollie Pope’s dismissal in the first innings, which further fueled the debate around the accuracy and reliability of the DRS.

While Stokes refrained from attributing the defeat solely to these decisions, he stressed the importance of a level playing field and proposed reforms to ensure fairness, particularly advocating for the removal of umpire’s call.

The controversy surrounding the DRS has sparked discussions about its effectiveness, with Paul Hawkins, creator of Hawk-Eye’s ball-tracking technology, defending the system and highlighting the rigorous processes in place to minimize errors.

As England reflects on their defeat, Stokes’ call for DRS reform adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding technology’s role in cricket officiating.