Referral system under cloud after denying benefit of doubt to Johnson

Sydney, Nov 27 (ANI): The effectiveness of newly introduced referral system was under a cloud on Friday when it failed to deliver a fair decision in the case of Mitchell Johnson during the second day's play of the first Test between Australia and the West Indies.

Johnson became first Australian batsman to refer his dismissal decision to the third umpire.

He was dismissed for seven after umpire Ian Gould ruled him out caught behind of spinner Sulieman Benn. However, he immediately called for a referral, confident that he had not nicked the ball.

Highlighting that the referral system gives the benefit of the doubt to the umpire, not the batsman, the decision was upheld despite hot spot showing no mark on his bat.

It also calls into question the umpires' faith in the hot spot technology, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

After several replays, third umpire Mark Benson was not convinced there was enough evidence to overturn the decision.

Nevertheless, Johnson's dismissal remains the issue of the moment.

The referral system was introduced essentially to correct mistakes, but in the case of overturning dismissals, it is clear that the margin or proof required is grossly inadequate to what technology can provide. (ANI)