 Sydney: Former Australia captain has claimed India`s refusal to use the Decision Review System (DRS) cost them dearly on day one of the first Test match against Australia in Chennai, as captain Michael Clarke scored a brilliant century after getting reprieve from the umpire in the initial stage of his innings.
"Michael Clarke is a successful leader and he had a stroke of good fortune when he won the toss in the first Test in Chennai," Chappell wrote in his column for a website.
"It was imperative Australia made a good start against a hesitant Indian side seeking to re-establish its reputation at home and batting first was the visitors` best chance on a grassless pitch," he added.
"They say bad luck comes in threes but Clarke might believe it`s more likely to be the good variety.
He received another huge break when an inside edge went to pad but unlike the fieldsman, the umpire missed it and India`s refusal to entertain the Decision Review System cost them dearly," he further wrote.
Chappell added: "What could`ve been a perilous position for Australia became a solid one, not so much via a third slice of luck, but rather a cool head. There was always a good chance Clarke would succeed in India with his twinkle-toe footwork and commanding form." Australia scored 380 in the first innings with Clarke top scoring with 130.
ANI
First Published: Sunday, February 24, 2013, 23:54
|