Michael Clarke raises doubts over Decision Review System
Citing the example of Stuart Broad not leaving the crease after edging Ashton Agar at slip, Michael Clarke said the third umpire should have powers to overturn a doubtful decision irrespective of the number of referrals available to the fielding team.
Australian captain Michael Clarke has raised doubts over the Decision Review System (DRS), which the BCCI has been opposing from the very beginning, saying the controversial technology should not be used if it isn't perfect as it can "distort the process".
"The referral system - where captains have two unsuccessful referrals at their disposal - can distort the process. I don't like the tactics involved, where umpires and the teams know how many referrals are left, and change their decisions accordingly. It should be consistent for all players," Clarke wrote in 'The Ashes Diary', his account of the 2013 Test matches in England.
The Indian cricket board has been a staunch opposer of the technology and believes it is not fool-proof.
Citing the example of Stuart Broad not leaving the crease after edging Ashton Agar at slip, Clarke said the third umpire should have powers to overturn a doubtful decision irrespective of the number of referrals available to the fielding team.
"I believe that if it's clearly shown that the batsman hit the ball and he was caught, then the technology should be used to ensure he is out. If he's hit in front of the wickets and the technology shows he is lbw, he should be out, regardless of how many referrals remain.
"As a captain, I'd just like the technology to be used to make more correct decisions, without all the complications of how many referrals remain or don't remain. There shouldn't be a numerical limit. If this means passing referrals back into the hands of the three umpires, on and off the field, then so be it. My final word on the matter - if technology, and the use of technology by the umpires, continues to be as inconsistent as it has been in this series (last Ashes), I would rather prefer it is not used at all," he wrote.
Clarke said that he would not want the return of Hot Spot, which appears to have been shelved for the forthcoming Ashes series, until it delivers consistent results.
"My opinion is that if the technology isn't perfect, it shouldn't be used at all," he wrote. "The inventor and owner of HotSpot (Warren Brennan") came out and admitted it doesn't pick up all nicks. Ok, that's fine: HotSpot should not be used until it is more reliable.
"Once the technology has been tested and is shown to be correct, then the ICC should rule that every team has to use it. We should have the same rule for everyone."