Known for its intensity and the inevitable and ever present element of the drama of sport, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy contested between India and Australia is one of the most thrilling tournaments. While the recent test match saw many events, some of which included Ravichandran Ashwin’s reviews, one of the highlights was wrangling over the system involving English cricketer Michael Vaughan. Vaughan, an outspoken and often controversial figure, had some harsh criticism towards Ashwin’s review in the present series thus making people question the need for the Decision Review System in cricket.
The Event: Ashwin’s Evaluation
One of the events that drew Vaughan’s attention happened when the test match was within the balance. Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was a part of a review decision that seemed to invite some skepticism. Heavily frustrated with an Australian batsman, Ashwin. He was very sure of having severed the batsman out and immediately after he threw a delivery, he raised a request for review thinking he had made a LBW claiming. However, especially as the aspect was talked about more, the third umpire remark made it abundantly clear that there was not enough evidence that the onfield umpire had made a wrong decision. Not surprisingly, the review did not change the outcome of the match resulting in varying level of entertainments among fans, players and even analysts.
What was so exceptional about decided to review the ball was in fact Ashwin’s own decision.
There is a knowledge that Ashwin is a smart thinker and good at cricket as well. This is the reason such articles are published praising him for his a game understanding and tactical decision making combined with instinct. On this occasion Vaughan seemed to turn the tables to Ashwin by saying that perhaps there was no need for him to be so confident in the review and the decision was reached rather hastily. Vaughan’s Comments Vaughan, offering commentary throughout the match, promptly remarked on the review, stating, Interjections during the match have also prompted people’s discussion and Vaughan did visibly react to it, by stating, Nice review that.
His sarcasm seemed to be directed at Ashwin’s over zealousness in seeking the review. Vaughan, displaying his usual mean streak sense of humour, had no reservations in dismissing what was for some quite needless or badly timed request by the Indian spinner. As these cases attracted complaints, several walls on social media began to flood with the posts from various fans and several stood in support of Vaughan while others completely went against him saying Ashwin’s review was far too driven by gut-feeling rather than thought.
Vaughan, qua Vaughan, explained that his comments were humorous, and he liked that Ashwin was as much emotional about the sport even though in his opinion it was not the proper use of DRS. The Role of DRS in Current Games DRS has become an intrinsic part of modern cricket owing to which it is possible to appeal against on field umpires’ decision.
Still, this tactic always comes under scrutiny, especially when the assessments are supposedly seen as misapplied or unnecessary. Taking Ashwin as an instance, the other way round occurred when he was angry because a player dared to refuse an out based judgement after reviewing the case when there was no clear evidence.
Reviewing process in cricket is more of art than science, as it requires complex integration of instinct, logic and knowledge of game. Some players like Ashwin tend to use their instincts and make quick judgments with the belief that what they see in the field, may not be the real picture. Others take a more cautious approach to reviews and think carefully about the context before deciding to use a review against the umpire’s call.
On the other hand, Ashwin’s reputation as the ‘ruthless’ batsman who defies expectations prepares him to make rash decisions on the cricket field Activities and situations whatever he is dealing with, for a spin bowler with extensive experience and who analyzes rather compulsively, his views are systematic and based on an understanding of the match context. He said that even experienced players have been wrong about the conditions sometimes and caused what Vaughan humorously called ‘one of the best reviews’ to take place.
Fans and Experts Reactions
The incident triggered a wide range of reactions from the supporters as well as the cricket commentators.
Vaughan’s remark regarding Ashwin’s antics did circulate around the social media with a lot of fans mocking Ashwin over the comment, but some others defended the bowler saying that the one who is playing feels it right to go for a review in such an aggressive scenario and Ashwin’s review, despite the fact that it did not come off, was not entirely wrong either. Vaughan did not mean that Ashwin did not give the review at all and that at least in this case that he made a big fuss over.
Vaughan’s talk was amusing and sympathetic to quite a few, who agreed that there was indeed too much privilege given to Ashwin to report back on the decision. The episode between Vaughan and Ashwin demonstrated once again that the relationships between players and pundits and fans are rather charged, particularly during a highly contested series such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in which each minute action is crucial and each decision can lead to a heated discussion.
Although Ashwin has made it apparent that he is not fond of Vaughan, he has been unfazed by Vaughan’s previous comments, so there is nothing new there. For one, Ashwin has hurt criticism a great deal stronger from Vaughan, so I’m not surprised he’s been so calm about all of this. Ashwin will always be confident and determined, but even while doing so he has no shortage of himself in India’s field of bowling who can bring him back down to earth.
The discontinuity surrounding the pitch and Vaughan comments surely bring an absolute pre and beast to the subtle pitch that occurred revolving around DRS. However there can be a very strong case made where Ashwin himself was the cause of the PROVOKE and distortion around the pitch, considering it one of the conflicts in the border-gavaskar context.
Michael Vaughan’s satirical comment, while hilarious, illustrates the contradiction that is cricket and the fine line between being confident and being overconfident in analyzing umpire calls.
With the series advanced, both the teams will try to find each and every possible advantage, and such instances will only add to the thrill and entertainment of what is already a breathtaking contest. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy always seem to bring about some entertainment, drama, and memorable moments, whether it is Ashwin’s wicket taking spell or Vaughan’s a insightful remarks.
If you are interested for more: “Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Michael Vaughan Takes a Dig at Ravichandran Ashwin’s Review “Pushpa 2: The Rule Box Office Collection Day 2: Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna’s Film Crosses Rs. 400 Crore Worldwide”