West Indies Demand Penalty for Umpires Over DRS Blunders
West Indies Test captain Roston Chase has launched a sharp critique of the umpiring during his side’s recent defeat to Australia, demanding that match officials face formal penalties for what he described as “blatant wrong calls.” The remarks come in the wake of a series of disputed DRS decisions that Chase believes shifted the outcome of the Test in Australia’s favour and may have long-term consequences for players’ careers.
Disputed Decisions Raise Uproar
During the first Test in Barbados, multiple moments triggered concern. One of the most controversial involved Chase’s own dismissal, adjudged lbw despite replays suggesting a clear inside edge. Another major flashpoint was Shai Hope’s caught-behind decision, which many felt lacked conclusive evidence. The third flashpoint came when a low catch taken by Hope to dismiss Travis Head was ruled not out by the third umpire, despite TV angles supporting the fielder’s claim.
The cumulative effect of these decisions was not merely frustration, but, as Chase argued, a sense of injustice: “One bad decision could make or break a guy’s career… players are penalised, but umpires face no consequence.”
Demand for Accountability
Chase’s appeal went beyond just expressing disappointment. He called for a system of accountability for umpires, noting that while players are fined, dropped, or suspended for their errors, match officials often continue without consequence even after a series of poor calls. He insisted that careers, especially of younger or fringe players, could be permanently derailed by a single bad decision.
Support from Coaching Camp
The sentiment was echoed by coach Daren Sammy, who has already faced penalties for his reaction. Sammy met with the match referee to formally raise concerns over the inconsistencies and lack of clarity in the decision-making process. His insistence on fairness underlines the mood in the West Indies camp, which feels aggrieved not just by defeat but by what they view as preventable injustice.
Australia’s Measured Response
Australian captain Pat Cummins opted for a more balanced tone, stating that decisions tend to balance out over the course of a series. While acknowledging the scrutiny on some of the calls, he refrained from taking sides and reiterated trust in the review system and its processes.
