Australia’s women’s cricket team has fallen victim to a DRS drama in the ongoing Ashes Test series. The team played against England and endured a contentious decision that saw Jess Jonassen given out after the English team took approximately 20 seconds to ask for a review. Jonassen was caught attempting to sweep spinner Sophie Ecclestone, but the appeal was initially turned down by on-field umpire Anna Harris.
The DRS countdown timer took several seconds to appear on the big screen at Trent Bridge, and England deliberated before choosing to review. Replays of the incident indicate that it took England about 20 seconds to decide to send the decision upstairs, and Jonassen was consequently given out, with the ball brushing her glove. However, under ICC rules, players have 15 seconds to launch a review.
Playing conditions state that, The total time elapsed between the ball becoming dead and the review request being made shall be no more than 15 seconds. If the on-field umpires believe that a request has not been made within the 15-second time limit, they shall decline the request for a player review.
Jonassen’s wicket proved crucial for the Australian team as it started a minor collapse of 3-12. After Jonassen’s dismissal, Alyssa Healy was bowled for 0 by Ecclestone, and Perry was caught at gully on 99 off Lauren Filer.
It is not the first time that Australia has found themselves on the wrong side of a DRS situation in the match; the first one was entirely self-inflicted. Debutante Phoebe Litchfield was given out lbw while trying to leave Kate Cross early in the day and walked off the field immediately without properly consulting non-striker Beth Mooney. Ball-tracking replays showed that the ball that was angling across Litchfield would have missed off-stump, meaning the decision would have been overturned had she reviewed.
The incident has elicited varied reactions from cricket enthusiasts, with some describing it as unfair and others calling for stricter enforcement of the review rule. Nonetheless, it is clear that the decision impacted the game’s outcome, and the Australian team is now regrouping ahead of their next game.
