Black Caps chat about review inconsistencies

New Zealand's cricket team admitted frustration at the umpire decision review system after captain Daniel Vettori fronted match referee Javagal Srinath during today's play in the first test against Australia.

Vettori was seen striding to Srinath's box high up in the Basin Reserve grandstand after New Zealand were shot out for 157, when tailender Tim Southee's dubious caught behind decision wasn't overturned after a lengthy review.

"It's fair to say the system at the moment, it's a little inconsistent," coach Mark Greatbatch said.

"We just asked the question whether the system in place at the moment is consistent. The match referee said yes so we'll get on with it."

Srinath declined to comment, but a spokesman said it was just a "casual chat" with the New Zealand skipper.

There were several debatable decisions as Australia dominated the third day and looked set for a big win.

Brendon McCullum was given out lbw to Ryan Harris for nought, then was recalled after a review as replays showed umpire Ian Gould missed a no ball. The English umpire appeared to also miss a Harris no ball when Tim McIntosh was dismissed for nine in New Zealand's first innings.

Southee appeared to miss his caught behind but there seemingly wasn't enough evidence for third umpire Aleem Dar to overturn the decision.

Then the New Zealanders were irked when opener BJ Watling was given out lbw to Doug Bollinger for 33 in the second innings and asked for a review which wasn't upheld after a lengthy delay. There was a suggestion the ball may have pitched outside leg stump.

"I'm not sure whether the technology they've got there is good enough as far as frames per second," Greatbatch said.

"The ICC says they're getting more decisions right, from 95 to 98 percent so you can't argue with that. If it's improving decision-making then it's a good thing.

"Today there was one to BJ Watling, I don't think they had the extra technology they were looking for, as accurate as they could. You'll have to ask the umpires."

- NZPA