Cricket World Cup 2023: David Warner suggests umpire stats should be displayed to make officiators more accountable

David Warner made his disapproval of his dismissal against Sri Lanka well known and has since called on umpires and the DRS to be more accountable to fans – and the players themselves.

David Warner has called for umpire stats to be shown on the big screens at stadiums, as is the case for players, after the veteran opener fell to a marginal umpire’s call lbw decision in Australia’s win over Sri Lanka on Monday night.

Warner fumed after being sent packing for 11 when ball-tracking technology showed a delivery from seamer Dilshan Madushanka was clipping the left-hander’s leg-stump. Had West Indian umpire Joel Wilson not given Warner out initially, the decision would have not have been overturned by a Sri Lanka challenge.

Warner – who visibly displayed his anger at the decision when walking off the field – said umpires should be held to greater public account over their calls.

The Aussies have a long history with Wilson, who made several infamously poor calls during the 2019 Ashes series and has made errors in ensuing series.

Warner said that while he respected Wilson’s right to judge the lbw call as he saw it, he added that umpires should be scrutinised to the same degree as players.

David Warner makes his thoughts known after his DRS dismissal against Sri Lanka. Picture: Arun SANKAR / AFP

“The technology provides information. From my perspective it‘s there to use probably I reckon for the howler not so much for you know, with lbws these days if you are given out you probably don’t really stand a chance,” Warner said of the decision itself.

“I asked Joel when I was out there just what happened like why did he give it out? He said the ball was swinging back. So, you know, to his credit, if he if he thinks that then that‘s why he’s given that decision. But then when you see the replay of how it sort of unfolded you get a little bit annoyed. So that’s out of our control.

“I think in terms of what I‘d like to see, this probably won’t get across but players’ stats go up on the board as you walk out to bat. When they announce the umpires and they come up on the screen. I’d love to see their stats come up on the board as well. Because we see that in NRL. I know this is a world game but NRL shows those stats. I think the NFL shows those stats. I think it’s a great thing for the spectators to see that as well.”

Warner said there was a lack of clarity around why certain umpires were picked over others, and while he would not specify individuals, the former Australian vice-captain said he knew certain umpires were more likely to favour the bowler on lineball decisions.

“I think over a period of time. You know, obviously players get dropped for poor performances. It‘s never explained to us about how what goes on with the panel as well. So (stats are) just an indicator,” Warner said.

David Warner walks off the ground after being dismissed. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“But it‘s just little things that show the spectator it’s not easy. So you know, you can explain where it’s not easy, why it’s not easy. And then when good decisions are made. And they can explain it. So I just think it’s something that could be explored.

“During Covid we had Australian umpires as well. And I thought I actually thought it was very, very good. But then when you get on the other side of it and you speak to the umpires you can understand sometimes why they don‘t want to do it.”

Warner said his visceral reaction to the dismissal had not been a personal attack at Wilson.

“I just sprayed out loud in frustration pretty much, not just myself but it kept low and normally when something hits me on the leg on the outside, I know it‘s pretty much going down leg so, you know he said it was swinging back. And from my perspective on the replay, it wasn’t.”

Australia has been on wrong end of several head-scratching decisions already during the World Cup, including a caught behind call against Marcus Stoinis in the loss to South Africa for which third umpire Richard Kettleborough is understood to have subsequently apologised.

Warner added that he would like technology providers to clarify what goes on behind the scenes.

“As a player, you get frustrated because there‘s no explanation,” Warner said.

“I‘ve never had Hawk-Eye come in and actually explain to us how the technology works. It’s just for the TV.”

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2023: David Warner suggests umpire stats should be displayed to make officiators more accountable