Ashes 2013: Michael Clarke won’t be driven to distraction by DRS in the 'Technology Test'

Stuart Broad ’s non-dismissal when he was caught behind on the third day only for umpire Aleem Dar to deny Australia, was the most prominent moment (Getty)

It will be remembered as one of the most exciting Ashes battles, but Trent Bridge 2013 might also become known as “The Technology Test”.

As the momentum in the match swayed first towards England, then Australia and back again, the influence of the Decision Review System on proceedings was rarely far away.

Stuart Broad ’s non-dismissal when he was caught behind on the third day only for umpire Aleem Dar to deny Australia, was the most prominent moment. Australia’s failure to use their reviews wisely cost them as Broad was criticised for not acting within the spirit of the game. Yet there were also incidents involving Jonathan Trott, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and the final wicket to fall, which needed DRS.

Asked whether he was happy with the present system, Australia captain Clarke said: “I’m not going to go there. I’m going to concentrate on judging my referrals better. If I had used my reviews better, then I have an opportunity to use it when there is a howler like [the Broad decision]. We’ve still got two umpires on the field. They are the most important people out on the ground.”

Clarke’s counterpart Alastair Cook played the system successfully, culminating in his decision to call for the review on the decisive wicket of Brad Haddin, who had originally been given not out. Replays showed a faint edge on the bat. Cook said: “There is a bit of skill in using DRS. We were quite poor with it in the past, but in this game we’ve been better.

“If there were no limit to your reviews, there’d be no point in having an umpire – that’s not what cricket is about.” Not that Broad cared a jot. After England’s win, he tweeted: “Yeeeaaahhhhh!!! Emotional rollercoaster what a great win! Atmosphere was insane I love Trent Bridge!!”