Billy Bowden’s decision to give Michael Kasprowicz out at the end of the 2005 Edgbaston Test is one of the most famous DRS ‘what-ifs’ in the history of the game.
Adjudged to be caught behind, with his glove off the bat handle, Kasprowicz would surely have reviewed the decision had DRS been available in 2005 and England’s famous series-changing victory might never have happened.
But what is often forgotten is that Kasprowicz should arguably have been given out lbw 10.2 overs earlier.
Off his third delivery at the crease, Kasprowicz, who shifted across his stumps, was struck on the pads by Andrew Flintoff. In this instance, with Australia needing 55 runs to win, Bowden did not raise his finger.
Key remained adamant. “I think that’s out,” he said after further replays. On the original Sky Sports commentary, Holding concurred. “It couldn’t be plumber,” said the West Indian fast bowling great.
