Lynn dismissal reopens DRS debate

The controversial dismissal of superstar T20 batsman Chris Lynn in Saturday night's KFC Big Bash clash has again triggered the debate regarding the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) into the tournament, with Cricket Australia stating there are no immediate plans to do so. 

Brisbane Heat powerhouse Lynn was given out caught behind for a duck to Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan in the Strikers' New Year's Eve victory, with Network 10 commentator and Australia legend Mark Waugh questioning the decision, suggesting ball may have missed bat en route to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

"No, he's hit the ground. Don't think he's hit that," Waugh said in commentary. "I think he's played inside that. Big, big decision. It seemed too full to be an edge but there was noise."

Given Lynn's status as the tournament's most dangerous batsman, the moment was a turning point in the contest and quickly prompted calls for the introduction of DRS into the Big Bash, both on social media and in the commentary box, with Waugh suggesting the implementation of the technology was simply a "matter of time".

"If you can do it quickly, yes. Give them 30 seconds, maybe," Waugh said. "One look at a Hot Spot would clarify that pretty quickly, wouldn't it? It's not to be. Chris Lynn had to cop it. He did accept it.

"It was a big blow, a telling blow for the Brisbane Heat."

On one hand, Waugh's suggestion that the introduction of DRS into the Big Bash is inevitable appears to make sense; in February-March last year the technology was used in the knockout stages of the Pakistan Super League, the first such time it had been used in a domestic T20 tournament, while last October, each team was given one review in the India-Australia T20I series, the first time DRS had been used for T20 internationals.

The ICC also last year agreed that DRS would be used at all future World T20 events, beginning with this year's Women's World T20 in the Caribbean in November.

However, Cricket Australia have indicated the move is at this stage unlikely, with the emphasis remaining on Big Bash matches being played without what are deemed unnecessary delays.

"The number one priority with the BBL and WBBL is to present a compact format that entertains from start to finish," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.

"There would need to be a compelling reason to implement anything that counters that objective and at this stage, we feel that DRS would open up the potential for delay, with the review process as it stands."