The SNEAKY trick Steve Smith used to get free DRS reviews against India that has experts calling for the ‘dodgy rule’ to be changed
- Steve Smith called on 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
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Stand in Australian Test cricket captain Steve Smith has cleverly exploited a loophole to generate extra DRS reviews against India.
Smith, 33, is filling in for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is back home as his mother is terminally ill.
Renowned for his cricket IQ, Smith watched on a number of times on day two of the third Test in Indore when wicketkeeper Alex Carey knocked off the bails after one of his three spinners – Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann – beat the outside edge of the bat.
Carey’s ‘sharp’ glovework then forced the third umpire to review the delivery for a stumping.
As part of their due diligence, the third umpire then also reviewed if the Indian batsman was out caught behind.
Stand in Australian Test captain Steve Smith has used a loophole to generate extra DRS reviews against India
Each time wicketkeeper Alex Carey (left) knocked off the bails after a delivery beat the outside edge of the bat, the third umpire reviewed the ball for a stumping and caught behind – the tactic also ensured the Aussies didn’t burn any of their three DRS reviews
Nathan Lyon snared 8/64 on day two in Indore as Australia look to win the third Test
Smith and Carey used the on-field tactic repeatedly, with Australia getting far more than their official three DRS reviews.
The Aussies assumed control of the contest, which has remarkably seen 30 wickets across two days of play.
Smith’s tactic also didn’t go un-noticed by switched on cricket fans and journalists around the world.
While some were impressed, others calling for the ‘dodgy rule’ to be changed.
Wisden India’s Abhishek Mukherjee tweeted: ‘Top thinking by Steve Smith and Australia. Appeal for stumping, they will check for caught behind, and you won’t lose a review.’
Veteran Aussie sports journalist Bernie Coen added: ‘Steve Smith with yet ANOTHER appeal for a stumping because he wants a caught behind reviewed ! ‘I can see a ICC rule change coming where umpires request what you want to review if this becomes a trend !!!
‘It’s smart from the skipper, but I don’t think it looks great.’
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 primary danger with ball in hand.
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