25 Nov 2016

DRS called into question after Williamson dimissal

6:07 pm on 25 November 2016

The decision review system (DRS) was the major talking point at the end of a rain-shortened first day's play in the second test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton following the dismissal of Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson.

New Zealand, put into bat on a green wicket by Pakistan's stand-in skipper Azhar Ali, were 77 for two when the umpires ended the day's play just before 4:30 p.m. after light rain had forced the players off before lunch.

Tom Latham was dismissed first ball.

Tom Latham was dismissed first ball. Photo: Photosport

Opening batsman Jeet Raval was on 35 not out, while Ross Taylor, who will have eye surgery next week and miss up to six weeks of action, was on 29 from 20 deliveries, having taken the attack to Pakistan's four-pronged pace battery.

But it was the controversial dismissal of Williamson that proved the main talking point at Seddon Park after he was given out for 13 after a review.

Kane Williamson before being undone by the DRS system.

Kane Williamson before being undone by the DRS system. Photo: Photosport

New Zealand were 39 for one when the Pakistan fielders appealed for a catch by wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, adamant Williamson had got an inside edge to a Sohail Khan delivery.

When the appeal was turned down Azhar asked for a review, and while none of the evidence appeared overly conclusive, with TV relays suggesting the ball had hit his elbow, third umpire Ian Gould said he believed Williamson had got an inside edge and reversed the original decision.

The New Zealand captain looked bemused as he walked off and appeared to tell on-field umpire Simon Fry he had not hit the ball.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan. Photo: Photosport

The Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan felt Williamson was somewhat unlucky.

"Maybe a touch (unlucky). He didn't think he had hit it...but it was one of those tough ones that you accept and you realise that sometimes it's a little difficult to see what it's hit but it's just one of those ones we accept and move on," said McMillan.

Apart from an impressive opening spell from Mohammad Amir, the visitors looked to have squandered the best of the bowler-friendly conditions.

The first over from Amir saw Raval nick through the slips for a boundary, beaten outside off stump twice, dropped by Sami Aslam at first slip and produce a leading edge for a lucky single before Tom Latham was caught by Aslam for a golden duck.

Amir had figures of one for 15 from six overs, though he was not supported by his fellow pace bowlers, who did not get the same movement and bowled either too short or too full.

-RNZ/Reuters

Look back over the day's play here: