DUBAI // New Zealand were angered by the Decision Review System, suggesting a lack of technology to aid the process may have cost them a vital wicket on Day 4 against Pakistan.
With the score on 42 for no loss in their second innings, Tom Latham was given out after being caught expertly by Asad Shafiq at leg slip off Yasir Shah.
The batsman immediately signalled to review the decision, presumably believing he had been hit on the forearm, rather than glove, while sweeping.
The third umpire upheld the original call, as evidence to the contrary was inconclusive.
The Kiwi’s batting coach Craig McMillan, and Mike Hesson, the head coach, were visibly incensed at the decision and banged the desk in front of them while shaking their heads in anger.
The Pakistan Cricket Board and Ten Sports, the host broadcaster, have not provided Hot Spot – which might have been definitive on Latham’s dismissal – for this series. The infra-red imaging system, which is used as part of the DRS process in most major series, is costly to install and apply.
Given that a series against New Zealand has proved tough to market for the PCB, recouping enough to finance Hot Spot has evidently been beyond them.
“The way it has gone in this series, without things like snickometer and Hot Spot it is always going to be tough,” said Kiwi bowler Tim Southee. “It is the same for both teams. You move on and you can’t dwell on what has happened or what is going to happen.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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