Kolkata: Australia’s 68-run victory Chappell-Hadlee Trophy over trans-Tasmania rivals New Zealand on Sunday was a sure enough indication for the Kiwis that they missed out on a vital cog by not opting for Decision Referral System (DRS) for the series that kicked off on Sunday.
New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson had no qualms even in admitting that in to-to. He felt that the decision of not reviewing a leg-before-wicket appeal on captain Smith cost the visitors dearly as his innings formed the difference between the two sides and the end of the day.
Steve Smith, the Aussie skipper, who went on to register a score of 164 ,equalling Ricky Ponting’s score, was trapped in front by paceman Trent Boult when he was on 14. Boult was convinced that he had him out only for the decision to be overturned by umpire Mick Martell. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson decided against the review. However, television replays showed that Smith was out.
As per a report by a Reuters, Hesson said, “From our angle we heard two noises. Macca (batting coach Craig McMillan) and I were going ‘he’s probably nicked it’ and clearly he didn’t. Generally (Williamson) looks to the guy square on in terms of height, the ‘keeper has a good look, is sometimes obscured, first slip sometimes has a better look and he was unsure. All that’s got to happen pretty quickly. It was obviously pretty costly in the end.”
Steve Smith however felt that he was out,but then was relieved as the visitors opted against a review.
However, the visitors had only themselves to blame as they dropped a lot of catches and showed signs of sloppy fielding. Their death bowling too,added to their woes as 110 runs were scored of the last 10 overs.
Paceman Lockie Ferguson,who was making his debut against the World Champions,did not have a memorable outing as he bowled a lot of no-balls and conceded 73 runs in his nine overs. A bout of cramps has affected the debutant bowler, Hesson added. The coach was pleased at the way he ran in to bowl which hurried the Australian batsmen.Lockie Ferguson dismissed Australian star David Warner in his very first over.
Hesson said,“He conceded a lot with his extras and a lot of that was cramping and loss of stride length.
Those things happen and can be tidied up pretty quickly once he gets used to that kind of intensity.We want him to run in and bowl quick and create opportunity. We certainly saw some good signs.”
The next match is scheduled to be held on December 6 in Hobart where New Zealand would like to stage a fightback and claw their way back into the series.Australia, after having taken a 1-0 lead in the 3 match series would like to seal the series in their favour.