Lahiru Thirimanne dismissal in Brisbane Pink Ball Test generates DRS debate controversy

Sri Lanka were decimated by Australia in the Pink Ball Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs as their wait for a Test win in Australia was prolonged. Pat Cummins’ sensational 6/23 in the second innings, combined with 4/39 in the first innings was a key factor in Dinesh Chandimal’s side getting bowled out for 144 and 139 in the Test in Gabba. However, one particular incident has generated a big talking about the Decision Review System (DRS) and it involved Lahiru Thirimanne in the second innings. With Sri Lanka’s innings in dire straight, Thirimanne was in solid touch and on 32. In the third ball of the 34^th over, he looked to defend a full ball from Cummins which moved away slightly outside off stump. The edge was apparently taken by wicketkeeper Tim Paine who appealed for a catch and umpire Marais Erasmus gave it out.

Thirimanne took the DRS and there was no mark on hotspot. However, there was a small spike on 'snicko' after the ball had passed the bat. Third umpire Michael Gough was heard saying to Erasmus, “One frame behind is conclusive evidence that it's out and we have a spike on snicko. I'm satisfied that there's conclusive evidence the ball has hit the bat... you can stay with your original decision.” The decision stayed and the left-hander’s solid innings ended.

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The decision prompted a lot of debate, with many stating that it should not have been given out. Speaking on commentary, former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy said faint edges should not be considered. Former Australia bowler Damien Fleming stated that the spike was after the ball had passed the bat while former Australia opener Simon Katich admitted that the decision had stumped him.

An unsuccessful review from Thirimanne. Thoughts? #SpecsaversCricket #AUSvSL | @SpecsaversAU pic.twitter.com/tpUNsoIhCP

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 26, 2019

Thirrimane is gone - caught - but he reviews, and he's given out. #AUSvSL

Fleming: "Snicko was definitely after the bat"

Katich: "I'm stumped"

Samson: "I've never seen that before. The small spike was clearly after the bat."

— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) January 26, 2019

Sri Lanka’s loss was their first in the Pink Ball Test, having earlier won matches against Pakistan and West Indies. Australia, on the other hand, stayed unbeaten and extended their streak to five, winning against New Zealand, South Africa, England, Pakistan and now against Sri Lanka. Australia will take on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test in Canberra on February 1, which will be the newest Test venue Down Under.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sri Lanka have never won a Test in Australia.
• Australia have not lost a Test in Brisbane for over 30 years.
• Australia are undefeated in Pink Ball Tests.