Batsmen should be given leeway during DRS, says Manjrekar

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Kolkata: Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has no problems in batsman taking a cue from the dressing room when in doubt over a Decision Review System (DRS) call. The cricketer turned commentator was referring to the controversy involving Sri Lankan spinner Dilruwan Perera asking for a review after being given out by on field umpire Nigel Llong on the fourth day of the first test match between India and Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens. He apparently seemed to look towards the dressing room before asking for the review.

“I just feel, what we saw on television gave you the impression that there was some indication from the dressing room to go for the DRS. But obviously there is no clear proof of that as that is something you need to back up the observation. But that clearly was the impression that I got,” Manjrekar told reporters here.

“Having said that, going forward if you’re a batting team, within the 15 seconds if the batsman wants to look towards the dressing room and get some clues about DRS, I don’t think it’s that big a deal.

“So I think the rule maybe looked at as well, it could change because when you are there as a fielding side you have 11 players to consult. You saw Steve Smith as well…so when you are a batsman sometimes you want some help from outside,” the 52-year-old added.

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold emphasised echoed the same views as Manjrekar. According to Arnold, “We all want the game to move forward. Yes there are emotions involved and instinctive reactions. But fifteen seconds is reasonable time for the batsman or the fielding captain to decide whether or not to take the review. At the end of the day we all want the game to move on and avoid stoppages.”

He added, “I guess it’s just a guideline and also comes down to common sense which I feel should prevail. Until the decision is taken in the middle the replays don’t go out. The feed that they get on the dressing room is immediately unlike the delayed feed which you get in the press box. So, it’s touch and go really. I am happy if common sense prevails.”