AUS v IND 2020-21: Tim Paine opines on DRS controversy, says umpire’s call is ‘not ideal’, but it is what it is

Paine also talked about his future as Australia Test captain.

By Jatin Sharma - 06 Jan, 2021

Australian Test captain Tim Paine has added his two cents in the ongoing DRS controversy of the umpire’s call issue. He said that though the system is not ideal, captains and teams opting to use DRS must accept it for what it is.

Paine's remark comes as Australia gets ready to lock horns with India in the third Test of the four-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), set to begin from January 7.

In the second Test between India and Australia, both skippers reviewed quite a few on-field calls, and most of the decisions were not changed as the final verdict boiled down to "Umpire's Call".

"It does not bother me to be honest, there is so much talk about it whether we like it or we don't. It's irrelevant, it's there and while it's there, teams are going to use it like they are which is probably not the way it was brought in to be used, it was brought in to challenge like a really bad howler.

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But the current setup, when you have three reviews and you have umpire's call, you would be mad not to challenge it because you never know. It is not ideal, but it is what it is, and we are okay with it," said Paine while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, during the second Test between India and Australia, had said that ICC needs to thoroughly look into the umpire’s call option in the DRS. His contemporary and legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne went one step ahead and said that ICC should do away with "Umpires Call".

Tim Paine, 36, also talked about his ongoing stint as Australia captain.

He said, “I have grown into the role, obviously when I got the captaincy, I was not expecting it or planning for it. I had to go into the role, I am enjoying it, I have said it a number of times that I think it is the best job in the world. I haven't looked too far yet, I have not looked past this series. I look at each series as it is and then I reassess it.

At 36, I wouldn't say I am here for a long haul but I feel I still have a bit of cricket left in me. My dream was to play cricket for Australia, being the captain is a huge honor and privilege."

(ANI inputs)

By Jatin Sharma - 06 Jan, 2021

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