Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was often made the butt of social media jokes for his inability to get his legs out of the way against the moving ball! Yes, the aspect under discussion is regarding his vulnerability to getting plumb in front of the wickets in test matches. Watson, in his 109 test innings, was dismissed LBW on an alarming 29 occasions.
But the one aspect which further complicated things for Watson was his habit of asking for the Decision Review System (DRS), even when he seemed to be trapped right in front of the stumps. His habit of opting for a review, even for the easiest of calls, often made him an easy victim for angry fans on social media.
In a chat with cricket.com.au, on the sidelines of the IPL, Watson opened up about his infamous struggles with the DRS. “The lbw thing was just a technical thing that I continued to work on that I never really fixed,” Watson said. “Even test cricket-wise, through a period of my career it wasn’t an issue, but at the back-end of my career, it was definitely an issue. “No matter what I worked on, guys, especially English guys, in particular, knew how to get me out that way.”
Dwelling more details about the DRS process, Watson said, “You grow up with ‘the umpire’s decision is final’.””If he gives it, you’re out, you walk off.”But then this new technology comes in and you’re supposed to know how to use it at the highest level, straight away. “I was an opening batsman, the ball was moving, I didn’t know exactly whether it was close, whether it was missing leg, hitting middle. “You’re also conferring with your partner as well; it’s not just me reviewing it straight away every time because you’re there with your mate and he’s trying to help you out as well.”