AGENCIES
BRISBANE
The Decision Review System debate refuses to go away despite India enjoying a 50-50 call but little else in their seven-wicket loss to Australia in the second one-day international in Brisbane.
But the DRS - or lack thereof - was again the talking point after Rohit Sharma (124) earned man-of-the-match honours following a crucial 50-50 call. Sharma was given not out on 89 despite a big knick heard on the stump microphone but Australia could not challenge the call due to India's stubborn refusal to use DRS.
The good fortune flew in the face of captain MS Dhoni's view after the opening ODI loss that India were getting the raw end of 50-50 calls from umpires as payback for their decision to brush the DRS. Dhoni made the call in Perth after Bailey was incorrectly given not out first ball for a caught behind appeal and went on to make a match-turning 112 in the first ODI.
Australian opener Aaron Finch admitted he preferred to see a DRS "blanket rule". "I'd like to see consistency around the world - either it is used or not but India have the right to not use it," he said. "If the (world body) ICC made a blanket rule that everyone had to use it there would be no debate.
"(But) I don't think it is going to change any time soon."
Dhoni wouldn't bite when asked about Sharma's good luck on Friday. "Are you talking about the edge? I won't answer that because (of the reaction to) last time I was asked about George Bailey," Dhoni smiled.
