Jury out on referrals after Bridgetown controversies
The umpire video referral system, designed to reduce mistakes by
allowing the use of technology, showed it remains subject to human error
in Saturday’s fourth test between England and West Indies.
West Indies felt hard done by after two lbw decisions, crucial in the
context of the game, went against them when the television images
indicated the ball was too high at the point of impact with the pad.
John Dyson, West Indies’ Australian coach, marched down to the match
referee Alan Hurst following the arguable decisions against Shivnarine
Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash.
“I just went down the stairs to have a chat with Alan Hurst. We just
wanted to clarify a few things,” Dyson told Sky Sports.
“I think we’re still getting to grips with the whole concept. When
you play your whole life with the umpires being in sole charge, but now
sometimes find yourself in situations where you can question the
decisions, it is hard to deal with,” he added.
Hurst said it had clearly been a difficult day for the officials,
including third umpire Daryl Harper, charged with examining the video
evidence.
“It is a trial system, some days you get good decisions, today we got
two or three controversial decisions and we have to learn from this”
Hurst said.
Dyson said that the players had not yet got fully accustomed to the
system, which allows for a maximum of two unsuccessful referrals, per
team, in each innings.
But what we are seeing is all sorts of tactical decisions are coming
in,” he said.
“The players are finding it challenging to get used to the system. I
think the jury is still out. “One of the great things about cricket is
it teaches you to accept all decisions and just get on with the game,”
added the West Indies coach.
BRIDGETOWN, Reuters |