‘DRS,quite like a grandma trying to call from a smartphone,only to download a snuff movie’

“Such a challenge highlights the substance of the individual,” Conn said. “Border was always a fighter. Those who mistook Clarke as more style than substance are now aware that he is one too.”

But the media came down hard on yet another DRS controversy which some said may have “compromised” batsman Usman Khawaja’s struggling Test career. Khawaja was given out by on-field umpire Tony Hill for just one having been adjudged to have edged spinner Graeme Swann to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Hill’s decision was endorsed by third video official Kumar Dharmasena despite evidence which appeared to suggest it should have instead been reversed. The Australian’s cricket columnist Gideon Haigh said the DRS “had another of those days when it looks like your grandma trying to make a call on a smartphone and accidentally downloading a snuff movie.”

Haigh went on: “Khawaja,a young man fighting for his career,was a victim; Steve Smith,ditto,was a beneficiary. Australia came out ahead,but the game overall was the loser,for cricket’s continuing officiation crisis overshadowed a stoic,battling hundred from Michael Clarke.”

Seriously a joke Conn too fumed. “The umpire decision review system is a joke. Bad umpiring on the field has been compounded by bad umpiring off it. No matter how good the technology is,if those using it cannot see what millions are watching on television then it is of no use.”

Fairfax Media’s Chris Barrett said the series had been marred by bad umpiring. “The manner of Usman Khawaja’s exit for one was farcical,evidence that incompetency can not be easily overcome by innovation,” he said. “The Khawaja dismissal was brought about by shocking decisions from both an on-field umpire and the official in the video review box.”