Prime Minister Kevin Rudd shows his sporty side as he took the side of the Cricket Australia against umpire Tony Hill and DRS umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision on Usman Khawaja. As a result, Khawaja now needs to bag a big score to keep his game going.

Mr Rudd, together with the twiterrati posted tweets expressing strong disapproval of the umpires' negligent call.

I've just sat down to watch the test. That was one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever seen. KRudd

— Kevin Rudd (@KRuddMP) August 1, 2013

Commentator Shane Warne was also flabbergasted about the decision. "I can't believe that. It's just a staggering decision. The technology has shown clearly that there was enough evidence to overturn a mistake. There was no hot spot, there was no noise, so you just expect that (to be) given not out. It clearly showed his bat hit his pad. There was daylight between bat and ball, there was no hot spot, and no noise. The only noise was when his bat hit his pad. That's a shocker, that's an absolute shocking decision. That is a ridiculous decision," said Warne. In an official statement from Cricket Australia, its chief executive, James Sutherland, expressed shock as well. "In our view, the on-field decision and referred decision using DRS were both incorrect. CA remains a strong supporter of DRS and believes it is important that cricket continues to improve and build confidence in the DRS. We understand and accept that from time to time mistakes can be made, however in this instance, on behalf of the player, the team and all cricket fans, we feel duty bound to seek further explanation as to how this decision was arrived at." Tom Moody expressed strong annoyance:

That is an unbelievable decision what a joke by both on & off field umpires, covering each others backsides!! #Ashes — Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) August 1, 2013

Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed sympathy to Khawaja.

Feel for a young player who is trying to make his way in the game.... Really poor decision.... #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 1, 2013

Former England captain, Alec Stewart, called the decision ridiculous.

That is a ridiculous decision by both the on & off field umpires. DRS creating yet more controversy. Any wonder players don't walk! #Ashes — Alec Stewart (@StewieCricket) August 1, 2013

Australian Cricketers' Association Chief Executive Paul marsh hinted calling for a harsher punishment for the umpires'.

Players lose careers on the back of decisions like that. It may be harsh but the 3rd umpire should suffer a similar fate.

— Paul Marsh (@Marsh_Paul) August 1, 2013

Meanwhile, a report from the Herald Sun said that Khawaja's partner, Chris Rogers, was also baffled over the umpires' decision.

"He said he didn't hit it and I said he didn't hit it. I was up the other end. Even in real time I didn't think he hit it. I didn't think he was anywhere near it. The umpire must have had a different view on it but I thought it was not out and that's why we reviewed it. From what we saw on the replays I think even the England guys had given up hope of it being out. It was disappointing. Another question mark (for the DRS), I guess. It's a weird thing because I guess it's people's careers on the line as well. You want these decisions to be right. I felt for him but it's been happening so we've just got to get on with it and not worry about that and try to have a good day."

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