David Warner, the Australian opener, was furious after the Decision Review System (DRS) and Hawk-Eye were unable to assist him in challenging an on-field LBW verdict against Sri Lanka during the 2023 World Cup on Monday in Lucknow.
The left-handed batter had a strong start, but in the fourth over against Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka, he missed a pull-shot and was struck beneath the knee-roll close to the line of the leg-stump. As soon as he said it was going down the leg, he pointed to his right and motioned to the umpire. The umpire took his time but eventually pointed his finger.
When David Warner reviewed, the Hawk-Eye revealed two reds and the umpire’s decision on the leg-stump clipping. He stomped off the field while yelling something and banging his bat on his pad in rage.
The following video shows his dismissal and his response to it:
Australia is seeking 210 for a much-needed win, and David Warner got off to a good start, striking a six in the opening over against Lahiru Kumara. However, Madushanka followed him and trapped Steve Smith in front in the same over. Australia were at 24/2 after his double-wicket maiden.
Before David Warner, two more DRS judgments went against Australia.
This was not the first occasion in the World Cup when a DRS decision went against an Australian. Two Kagiso Rabada deliveries saw Smith and Marcus Stoinis removed in short succession in the Aussies’ previous encounter at the same stadium against South Africa, which they lost.
Smith was called LBW with a ball that was almost down the leg, but Hawk-Eye reversed the ruling with three reds. The fact that the trajectory of the ball was not depicted, only a still shot, sparked controversy.
After a few overs, South Africa requested a caught behind against Stoinis. Stoinis gloved it, but his glove was not in touch with the bat at the time, according to the Proteas analysis. However, the third umpire disagreed.