Watch: Steve Smith shook his head repeatedly after being given out lbw on DRS review in Australia’s 2023 World Cup match against South Africa in apparent disbelief at the decision.
Smith wasn’t the only one confused by the decision, many on social media were also surprised by the ball-tracking projection. Still, Smith had to go.
The number 3 had a job to do in midfield as Australia chased down 312 to win 27-1. It soon made him 2 for 27 and he and Marnus Labuschagne tried to salvage the innings.
With the score at 50 before the crucial moment, Kagiso Rabada hit Smith on the pads as the right-hander missed a leg shot. The appeal appeared to hit the leg side, and the on-field referee ruled it a “no out.” South Africa decided to overturn the decision and reconsider as the ball was likely to have hit the stumps.
Smith was not satisfied and shook his head repeatedly as he left.
“You can shake your head all you want, but you’re going to crash into the stumps,” said commentator Matthew Hayden.
Sean Pollock later explained that an error in the initial display of the ball tracking technique may have contributed to Smith’s confusion. Instead of showing an animation tracking the ball’s trajectory like normal, only the final image from behind was shown.
Watch the Steve Smith lbw decision below:
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