'Inconsistent' review system prompts grizzles

The umpire decision review system is again under the microscope with the New Zealand camp frustrated by two incidents at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori went out of his way to talk to match referee Javagal Srinath in the innings break – presumably to discuss the contentious dismissal of Tim Southee.

The New Zealand tailender was adjudged caught behind off Mitchell Johnson when there was daylight between bat and ball, but despite seeking a referral the on-field verdict stood.

Srinath played down his meeting with Vettori as a "casual chat" but New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch had a few grizzles.

"The system at the moment, it's a little bit inconsistent," Greatbatch said.

"We just asked the question whether the system in place at the moment is consistent, and the match referee said `yes' so we'll get on with it. I'm not sure whether the technology they've got there is good enough as far as the frames per second.

"The ICC say they're getting more decisions right, from 95 to 98 per cent so I suppose you can't argue with that. I suppose if it's improving decision-making then it's a good thing."

New Zealand opener BJ Watling also sought a review after being adjudged lbw to Doug Bollinger for 33.

The ball was shown to have pitched in line with leg stump but only after a long delay and several replays where the shaded area representing the line of the stumps failed to appear on the screen.

"With BJ Watling, I don't think they had the actual technology they were looking for, as accurate as they could," Greatbatch said.

Umpire Ian Gould was also shown up for missing two no-balls from Ryan Harris which claimed wickets. Tim McIntosh had to trudge off for nine in the first innings despite Harris over-stepping but Brendon McCullum successfully overturned his decision when on nought.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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