From just the second ball of the match, Marizanne Kapp and South Africa were convinced they had opener Tammy Beaumont lbw with a very convincing appeal, but it was given not out and England’s opening pair proceeded to add 53 for the first wicket.
Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt was batting fluently and looked set on steering her side to first-innings parity before she was given out lbw to Sophie Ecclestone on 65.
Wolvaardt was furious while marching off the pitch, knocking her bat to her helmet and muttering that she had hit it – a reaction for which she was eventually fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
But the most contentious of the decisions – despite having less of an impact on the eventual result of the match – came in South Africa’s second innings when England appealed for a catch at short leg off Dercksen, and the on-field umpires proceeded to have it checked by the third umpire, much like a review.
Even with no DRS in play, umpires are generally allowed to check with the third umpire for clean catches and bump balls, instances that they might not be able to see cleanly in real time – yet in this case, the catch was taken at chest height.
“The right decision was made in the end, because it did look like there was an edge, but I just think it was the wrong process,” Hartley told BBC Test Match Special.
“There was never any doubt around whether it was a clean catch or not. It’s the fact that nobody knows what the decision-making was.
“What it has shown is that DRS needs to be in place for every international match and then we wouldn’t be talking about it. It should be a wake-up call for Cricket South Africa.”
England captain Heather Knight said it was a “sign of the status of the game” that DRS was not used for the match, which she acknowledged was “a bit frustrating”.
“I was pretty shocked when I found out in the umpire’s meeting the day before, that we weren’t going to have it,” Knight told a news conference after England wrapped up victory.
“I think it’s a real shame. You come to expect it as a player now, and I guess the reason is always money. But, particularly in Test cricket, where wickets are such a premium, it’s a really important thing to have.”
Proteas head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said the decision not to use DRS was above his “pay grade”, but bemoaned the lack of communication around the “bizarre” decision which led to Dercksen’s wicket.
“There was no communication – I didn’t understand why [it was out],” said Mashymbyi.
“If it’s out it’s out and if the umpire isn’t sure, the benefit of doubt goes to the batter. It was quite bizarre, I guess the umpires felt they made the right decision so we can’t go against that.”
