'Absolute joke': Fresh outrage over 'shocking' Big Bash farce

The decision not to introduce DRS into BBL09 has been widely slammed yet again after another umpiring howler on Saturday.

This time it was George Bailey who fell victim to the farce after he was given out caught behind in the Hobart Hurricanes’ loss to Sydney Thunder.

‘WHAT THE F***’: Glenn Maxwell in bizarre post-match controversy

Bailey blasted a brilliant 43 at Sydney Showground Stadium but appeared to be dudded by umpire Paul Wilson when it looked like he hit the ground with his bat rather than the ball.

Bailey looked stunned to be given out and didn’t have the option to have the howler overturned by DRS.

“I think he’s hit the ground there,” Fox Cricket commentator Brendan Julian said.

“I don’t reckon Bailey’s too happy with that.”

Mark Waugh added: “It’s a big wicket too because George Bailey hit the ball beautifully and he was going to be very dangerous for the last few overs – he’s not happy.”

It’s the latest example of why the Big Bash needs DRS - and fans and commentators are fed up.

Most of the criticism lies in the fact that officials have been hesitant to implement DRS because it might slow down the fast-paced T20 game too much.

Yet they’ve introduced a ‘tactical timeout’ this season that batting sides can take throughout their innings.

Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist was critical of the new timeout on Saturday, suggesting it was a way broadcasters to show more ads during play.

"It's shocking if a professional athlete needs break in a T20 game but I understand it for advertising purposes,” he said in commentary.

Hales and Ross steer Thunder to victory

Alex Hales' red-hot start and Alex Ross' ice-cool finish combined to quell Hobart, helping the Thunder to haul in a target of 163 and snap a three-match losing streak.

Hales (55) and Ross (32 not out) did the heavy lifting as the hosts completed a tense four-wicket win, getting over the line with two balls to spare.

Hales rocketed the Thunder to 0-66 from the powerplay but the wheels threatened to come off for the home side after the Englishman's needless dismissal ignited a collapse of 4-22.

The Thunder needed a potentially tricky 58 runs from the final seven overs.

South African allrounder Chris Morris slapped a six then threw away his wicket but Ross, who faced 22 balls, stood up in the pressure-laden finish.

The second last over of the match, featuring just three runs and a wicket, provided another twist but Ross never panicked and fittingly hit the winning runs when he smacked a delivery from Nathan Ellis past point to the rope.

"The experience of Alex Ross was invaluable," Hales told reporters.

"It was a little bit closer than what we would have liked but, when you win tight games like that, you create good habits."

with AAP