CHESTER LE STREET, England, (Reuters) – England’s and Australia’s cricketers still back the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) for the last two tests of the Ashes series despite a string of controversies in the opening three games.
“We acknowledge the DRS has not performed as effectively during the past three tests as it has in other series,” explained International Cricket Council general manager Geoff Allardice on the eve of the fourth test in Durham.
Allardice said he had spoken to both teams on Wednesday “to identify potential improvements to DRS moving forward”.
“It was very encouraging to hear both teams reiterate their support for the use of DRS. Some of the ideas that were suggested … could improve the system and will be considered further by the ICC,” added Allardice in a news release.
England, who hold a 2-0 lead, have already retained the Ashes, as Australia cannot now win the series.
Captain Alastair Cook, who reiterated yesterday that the goal of his players was to win the series outright, said the DRS talks with the ICC were productive.
“It was a good meeting for us, trying to clear up a few issues both sides are having,” he added. “I think it was a good outcome, they held their hands up at the end and said mistakes have been made.
“It’s something they’re trying to iron out so that it’s not the talking point, and it goes back to what it says on the tin, trying to get more decisions right.”
Asked if England had made suggestions for improvement, Cook said: “Yes, it was a good forum to do that. Whether they’ll listen or not we’ll have to wait and see.”
Allardice pledged the ICC would continue to do all it could to make DRS better, and how the third umpire interprets what the system produces.
“Technology is evolving,” he said. “During the (third) test at Old Trafford we conducted a trial where a TV umpire accessed replays using a multi-channel monitor system with its own operator and recording device.
“The aim was to get more replay angles to the umpire faster so he will be able to make more accurate decisions and minimise delays to the game. The feedback from this trial has been very positive and we now need to consider how this technology could be most effectively used as part of the DRS system.
