The West Indies versus England Series 2009 has been steeped in controversy. From the cancelling of the 3rd test due to the poor pitch at the Sir Vivian Richard’s ground to the “lifeless” wickets, critics and fans alike have had no shortage of talking points.
http://www.ndtv.com/
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<!–[endif]–>This was the first test that England has had the video referee referrals system available to them. The two teams are given two chances to refer decisions to the match referee; if challenging team are correct then the referral is then refunded. “But, they are only allowed to use TV replays, no sound, no ‘snicko’, and no ‘hot spot’”. [cricinfo] The decision should not be overturned if there isn’t a reasonable margin of doubt. There wasn’t in the case of West Indies’ first innings in the 5th Test, where a decision was overturned even though it wasn’t obvious in the video. I feel that there should be clear legislation with the borderline cases. Should the on-the-field umpire stick to his decision if it isn’t clear, or give the batsman the benefit of the doubt?
My opinion is that this shouldn’t be used. It undermines the umpires decisions, every time the umpire doesn’t agree with you, you look to the tape to tell you different. It won’t be too long that even the most accurate umpire’s position on the field will be under the microscope. Video referrals have been introduced into NFL and Rugby, how long till Football will use it?
Another thinking point with the cricket rules is the use of substitutes: “A fielding team can use a substitute fielder if one of their team has been injured during the course of a match” [BBC Sport] But, this is not fully enforced, to Ponting’s annoyance in the 2005 Ashes when he was run out by G. Pratt after Flintoff was “injured”. If it cannot be properly governed then remove it from the rule book.
P.S. If video referrals are fully integrated into all test matches, can I ask Monty to not refer every ball that hits the batmen’s pads please?
Posted by chrishuttonch 
