Decision Review System forces batsmen to improvise

Dubai: Almost all batsmen that played in the Pakistan-England Test series have tried their level best to keep their pads away from the line of the ball following the danger of being adjudged leg before by the Decision Review System (DRS).

England skipper Andrew Strauss said the DRS did influence the batting style during the UAE series.

"It would be pretty naive not to get influenced by it because you got to get the pads out of the way first and foremost," Strauss said.

"It is a different dynamic, but it's also like anything when you play on any different type of wicket, you have to adapt to that wicket and different bowling. The DRS is just another element you need to [ensure] you are not caught by."

This series has equalled the world record for maximum leg before decisions with 43 batsmen being trapped leg before.

Strauss, however, warned batsmen from changing their technique too much just to counter the DRS threat.

"Batsmen around the world may have to change their technique to a certain extent and generally it is a good thing for cricket. However, it would be wrong to change your technique too much according to whether the DRS is used or not," he said.

"I think ultimately the majority of time we play now DRS is going to be used. Looking forward I think using your bat is a better option than using your pad."