David Warner demands umpire stats on big screen

Imagine seeing an umpire’s career stats depicting their right and wrong decision are displayed on the big screen as they head out to the field during a World Cup fixture or a Test match. Well that is what Australia’s veteran batter David Warner suggested. A day after he left the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow in a very infuriated state, slamming his bat on the pitch, and not containing his emotions, the southpaw had called out for more accountability from match officials owing to at least a couple of decisions that have gone against the Kangaroos in the tournament so far.    

“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 the National Rugby League (NRL). I know this is a world game but the 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," stated Warner.

"I think over a period of time. You know, obviously players get dropped for poor performances. It's never explained to us about what goes on with the panel as well. So it's just an indicator."

"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," he added.

Warner was adjourned Leg Before Wicket by on field umpire Joel Wilson after a Dilshan Madhushanka delivery struck him on the pad very close to his leg stump. He immediately reviewed it and Hawk Eye showed that the ball had just straightened enough to clip the leg stump, leaving Warner fuming in the middle. And the opening batter made it very evident that his agony in the moment was more with the technology and not the umpire. 

"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 lbw these days if you are given out you probably don't really stand a chance. 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 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. There's a lot to say," Warner explained.

"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."

When asked if seasoned players such as him take DRS calls based on which umpire has given them out on field, Warner said that the batters always look out for that but also that it would be unjust to insinuate that some umpire always gets it wrong. 

“During Covid we had Australian umpires as well. And 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 sometimes understand why they don't want to do it," he added.

Warner also felt that players would be able to fully wrap their heads around the ball tracking aspect of DRS, in particular, if they get a better understanding of the technology, and it is more often the lack of the knowledge that leads to the discontent amongst batters who react like they’ve been anguished. 

"As a player, you get frustrated because there's no explanation. I've never had Hawkeye come in and actually explain to us how the technology works. It's just for the TV," he concluded.