Richards and Atherton

An elite group of past inter-national cricketers has expressed mixed views on the International Cricket Council's referral system that is currently being used in the Digicel Home Series between the West Indies and England.

"I think that it is very interesting, because you have two calls and you can totally exhaust those calls and whenever they are finished that's it for you," said former West Indies captain, Sir Vivian Richards.

Richards, who was called the 'Master Blaster' for the utter disdain with which he treated bowlers, represented the West Indies in 121 Tests and scored 8,540 runs at an average of 50.25, with a top score of 291 against England at The Oval.

Experimental system

Richards added that he did not see anything wrong with the system.

"It is great in a sense to see the new system and I think it was quite useful on Sarwan's (Ramaresh) part yesterday (Thursday)," he com-mented, in reference to a challenge raised by the batsman when he was given out by New Zealand umpire, Tony Hill, for five. However, third umpire Daryl Harper, of Australia, overturned the decision on the basis of video evidence.

"One must also remember that it is an experiment because it is not the end-all and we must treat it as an experiment, and it is not the finished product," said Richards, who scored 6,721 runs in 187 one-day internationals at an average of 47.00, with a top score of 187.

Former England captain, Nasser Hussain, says he welcomes the new adventure by the International Cricket Council.

"I think it is a very good system and I like it," said Hussain, who scored 5,764 runs at an average of 37.18 in 96 Test matches. "I think if the umpires use it properly, like how they have done, i think it's an excellent system. I think it should take out of the equation any clear, obvious mistakes that have been made, whether it is an inside edge or balls pitching outside leg stump."

He also said it made the game very interesting.

"I think it is one of the more exciting bits of the Test match and as long as it moves the percentages in the right direction and the right decisions are made, then I don't see any harm in it," he added.

Decision to umpires

Another former England captain, Michael Atherton, said he welcomed the new technology, but believed the final decision should be in the hands of the on-field umpires.

"I would like to see the umpires remain in charge of decision-making, but I don't mind referrals and I don't mind technology being used. But I would like to see the umpires determine when and where they call for it, rather than players calling for it," said Atherton.

The right-handed batsman represented England in 115 Test matches, scoring 7,728 runs at an average of 37.69.