Roebuck for return of glorious human error in cricket

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Sydney, Mar.2 (ANI): If video technology is used, it shouldn't be dependent on cricket's version of phone-a-friend. If an umpire has messed up so badly the video definitely proves him wrong, his assistant should get in his ear and say sorry, old boy, but that was out. If a decision is wrong, it's wrong, regardless of anyone protesting, says cricket columnist Peter Roebuck.

In an article for the Sydney Morning Herald, Roebuck is all in favour of bringing back glorious human error to the game of cricket.

He also believes that Australian umpire Daryl Harper has done his best to scupper the referral system in the current fourth Test match between England and the West Indies.

But he says that If replays are used, the video umpire must intervene whenever he sees fit.

"One man's errors do not invalidate the system," writes Roebuck.

"Foolishly applied, every innovation will fail," he adds.

Roebuck praises Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar for making the right decisions, using his ears and eyes.

"The referral system worked superbly in Johannesburg. Asad Rauf, the third umpire, has been outstanding. Following instructions, he has not over-ruled the field umpire unless the evidence has been clear cut," says Roebuck.

He concludes by saying that referrals are designed to improve the quality of the decision making. That is happening.

"The system needs tinkering, that is all. Hot spot should be introduced because it is factual and not speculative," he says.

As far as Harper is concerned, Roebuck says he is a "lovely bloke", but "should be put in a remote paddock and forced to spend the rest of his life discussing the no-ball rule with Darrell Hair." (ANI)