6 Bowlers who got their first wicket via DRS in international cricket

Decision Review System now has a humongous role to play in cricket, especially in the longer formats of the game. So much so that, it is now considered to be a mandatory feature in all the international matches. Besides the ICC, all the cricket boards also have got hold of the system and make use of it even in their domestic T20 leagues.

The system marked its first presence in Test cricket with an aim to assist players in reviewing the umpire’s decision. DRS went under trial in a bilateral Test series between India and Sri Lanka in July 2008. After successful trials, ICC launched the system on 24 November 2009 in the first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan. Since then, there is no looking back as DRS is now the heart of any contest.

Unquestionably, this very technological innovation, DRS, has been quite productive in the context of cricket. Although the success rate has been a matter of discussion, its impact has driven the world to accept the system. From helping the bowler to get his maiden wicket to assisting the batsman score his maiden hundred, Decision Review System has done it all. Thus, in this feature, we will have a look at six bowlers who got their maiden wicket via DRS.

1. Shuvagata Hom (Bangladesh)

Shuvagata Hom, an occasional medium pace bowler from Bangladesh, etched his name in this unique list when he caught Chris Gayle in front of the stumps in a Test match against West Indies. Hom made his debut in the same game.

The incident happened in the first Test of the series between Bangladesh and West Indies that kicked-off from 5 September 2014 at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown. Bangladesh had won the toss and elected to field first. Gayle and Kraigg Brathwaite opened the proceedings for West Indies.

It was the 40th over of the first innings of the game, and Gayle and Brathwaite were raring to go as they had already notched-up a 116-run partnership. Hom ran in for his first delivery of the over, and, with an intent to capitalize, Gayle tried to play a glory shot but missed it and ball went on to hit the legs which initiated a certain appeal.

However, the umpire Marais Erasmus turned it down and eventually Mushfiqur Rahim went for a review. DRS showed three reds which brought a bright smile on Hom’s face as he scalped his first Test wicket and Gayle was forced to make his way back to the pavilion.

Hence, Shuvagata Hom became one of the very few players to take his maiden wicket with the help of DRS.