Michael Holding, former West Indian fast bowler-turned commentator, was critical of the Decision Review System [DRS] during the fifth and final day of the 2nd Test between England and West Indies.

West Indies lost three quick wickets prior to the lunch session. The first dismissal to caught Holding’s wrath was opener Kraigg Brathwaite’s, who was adjudged after the decision by upheld on review after the HawkEye adjudged that the ball would have clipped the stumps.

“They haven’t really had the breaks today. Part of it is their fault, but I’m going to have a little moan here about two of the dismissals,” said Holding. “You know I’ve been talking about how it’s so important that the first decision on the field is correct. That’s so that whenever you have a referral it’s all about umpire’s call. Everybody has heard me saying it for years, ” Michael Holding said on Sky Sports Cricket.

“Benefit of the doubt should go to the batsman. Umpire’s call, there has to be some doubt where the umpire is confirmed, so say not out and then let the technology prove you wrong. We didn’t see that this time around with Brathwaite. I think that should have been not out and stayed not out. There has to be doubt if the ball is clipping the bails.” he added.

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UltraEdge information should be taken with a pinch of salt: Michael Holding

Another dismissal that caught the ire of the ‘Whispering Death’ was that of John Campbell, who was adjudged caught-behind after England captain Joe Root challenged the on-field call even though wicket-keeper Jos Buttler didn’t look utterly confident that Campbell had actually nicked it.

As it turned out there was a faintest of nick on the UltraeEdge. Giving reference to Ollie Pope’s reprieve earlier in the day where UltraEdge showed there was an inside edge on LBW review despite the TV umpire saying that an edge looks unlikely, Michael Holding said that the UltraEdge information should be taken with a pinch of salt.

“Yeah, [there was a nick] according to UltraEdge. There was a referral when England were batting when the third umpire said ‘Well we can see there’s no bat involved but let’s have a look at UltraEdge anyway.’ And what did UltraEdge show? That he got a nick on the ball. That thing records sound. Who knows where the sound is coming from?Michael Holding added.

Meanwhile, England completed a fine 113-run victory in the post-tea session to level the three-match Wisden Trophy 1-1.

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