Watch: In a 2002 ICC Champions Trophy match, Shoaib Malik became the first to be given out LBW using the ‘DRS’ – before the term was coined.
The television umpire was first used at international level during India’s 1991/92 tour of South Africa. In the final of the 1993 Hero Cup, the television umpire ruled Roland Holder out bowled off Anil Kumble.
In the summer of 1996, Hawk-Eye was experimented for the first time during a minor county match. When Pakistan hosted England for the summer of 2001, Hawk-Eye was used at the Lord’s Test match – albeit not for actual decision-making.
In 2002, the ICC decided to experiment with technology at the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka: “Under the experimental system field umpires will be able to consult with the third umpire on any aspect of a decision they are unsure of. Consultation will be optional, but when called for decisions will be reached as soon as possible.
“The third umpire will be allowed two replays of any incident before passing on information to the field umpire. Line decisions, hit wicket and boundary referrals will continue to be decided by the TV umpire, as per the present system.”
The “DRS before DRS” was, thus, solely the umpire’s decision.
Waqar Younis opted to bat in the tournament opener, at the R Premadasa Stadium. Shoaib Malik walked in after Shahid Afridi fell in the fourth over. In the fifth, Chaminda Vaas made a ball straighten and hit Malik’s pad, the Sri Lankans appealed, and Daryl Harper referred to television umpire Rudi Koertzen.
Out, ruled Koertzen. “Shoaib Malik made history by becoming the third umpire’s first lbw victim,” noted the Wisden Almanack.
The match was largely one-sided. Dilhara Fernando (3-30) and Muttiah Muralitharan (3-29) bowled out Pakistan for 200 before Sanath Jayasuriya (102 not out) helped Sri Lanka win in 36.1 overs.
Throughout the tournament, the umpires referred 20 times for LBW (eight out, 12 not out) and nine times for caught (all out). The ICC did not continue with the experiment, and it was not until 2008 that the Decision Review System was formally introduced to international cricket.
Watch Shoaib Malik being given lbw via ‘DRS‘:
For the first time #ONTHISDAY 12-09-2002, 3rd Umpire was called on to give an LBW decision as part of an experiment that ICC did in the 2002 Champions Trophy. Umpire go for Drs to check his decision.
The batsman was @realshoaibmalik. The bowler was @chaminda_vaas. pic.twitter.com/r37b0Y5EfL— Zohaib (Cricket King)🇵🇰🏏 (@Zohaib1981) September 12, 2023
