Flower backs referral system for catches

England coach Andy Flower on Tuesday gave his backing to the controversial TV referral system for adjudicating suspect catches in international cricket.

Flower is at odds with Ricky Ponting, who was annoyed that England opener Alastair Cook refused to walk after the Australian skipper took what he claimed was a fair catch low to the ground on Monday's last day of the drawn Gabba Test. Ponting said the referral of disputed catches to inadequate technology was a "blight on the game".

Ponting's "catch", when Cook was on 209, was referred to the third umpire but television replays were inconclusive and the English opener went on to make an unbeaten 235.

AFP