Shaun Marsh and Tim Paine get reprieves thanks to controversial DRS reversals

DRS … Decision Review System or Dirty Rotten Stinker? English fans were arguing the later after a controversial escape for Shaun Marsh at the Adelaide Oval.

Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh have words with James Anderson.

DRS … Decision Review System or Dirty Rotten Stinker?

Many English fans were arguing the second after a controversial escape for the eternally patient Shaun Marsh at the Adelaide Oval.

Marsh showed a maturity and fighting ability that won him justifiable plaudits but it came as a surprise to see him escape an lbw verdict on 29 during a calamitous few overs which saw Jimmy Anderson have two lbw decisions overturned by DRS reviews in eight balls.

“There it is again the DRS is the “diabolical review system” that was plumb dead seriously computers running the game is a joke IMO,’’ tweeted former Sheffield Shield gloveman Darren Berry.

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Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh have words with James Anderson.

The ball hit Marsh around the knee roll directly in front and umpire Chris Gaffney soon raised his finger.

The bashful Marsh, who has justified his controversial recall with spirited innings in both Tests, has been known to be so self-effacing that he has failed to review borderline calls but after talking to Tim Paine he rightfully went to the video.

To the surprise of many the camera showed the ball was clearly passing above off-stump by a comfortable margin, confounding seasoned observers who felt it would have knocked back middle peg.

The decision called into play the merit of using technology which, for all of its sophisticated technology, still relies on pre-emptive guesswork.

James Anderson reacts after the wicket of Tim Paine was overturned by DRS

“Shaun Marsh has survived the plumbest lbw I have ever seen overturned,’’ said former Sheffield Shield star Jamie Cox.

“That was completely salmon trout,’’ said England’s former off-spinner Graeme Swann.

No-one blamed the umpire for his call.

“That looks absolutely dead live ... 10 out of 10 without DRS you’re walking off the field there,’’ said Michael Clarke.

“Thank you very much DRS, can’t believe it.’’

Kevin Pietersen said it was “stone dead.’’

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England’s agony intensified eight balls later when Anderson successfully appealed to Gaffney to have Tim Paine lbw only to him recalled after the DRS confirmed (correctly) the ball would have risen above the stumps.

As he walked back to his mark Anderson flashed a rueful grin. Sometimes that is all you can do.