DRS decisions could damage our careers, fears Rogers
AUSTRALIA opening batsman Chris Rogers believes persistent umpiring errors in the Ashes series could be career-damaging, after the Decision Review System was again called in to question on the opening day of the third Test at Old Trafford.
The tourists, batting first, reached 303-3 at stumps with captain Michael Clarke playing an inspirational unbeaten innings of 125.
However, the day’s talking point surrounded the contentious decision to give Usman Khawaja out off the bowling of spinner Graeme Swann (2-82).
On-field umpire Tony Hill raised his finger after the Australia batsman was deemed to have edged behind to wicketkeeper Matt Prior, however Khawaja was adamant he had not hit the ball and called for a review.
TV evidence showed clear daylight between bat and ball, however the third umpire ruled Hill’s original decision should be upheld and Khawaja walked back to the pavilion aghast.
The decision was labelled “one of the worst I’ve ever seen” by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
And Rogers admitted the inconsistencies are a concern for the players.
“It’s peoples careers on the line so you want these decisions to be right,” he said, after scoring 84.
“I was surprised. I was up the other end and even in real time I didn’t think he hit it, I didn’t think he was anywhere near it.
“I felt for him but it’s been happening so we’ve just got to get on with it.”
Australia, trailing 2-0 in the series, made a bright start on a slow pitch, reaching 76 for the opening wicket before Shane Watson edged a Tim Bresnan (1-51) delivery to captain Alastair Cook at first slip.
Khawaja was next to go shortly afterwards and Rogers was out lbw off a full delivery from Swann.
The rest of the day belonged to Clarke and Steve Smith (70), the latter the subject of two failed reviews, who was thankful England were unable to discover he was trapped lbw by Stuart Broad late in the day.