Aussies against third umpires
ruling on catches

The Australian Cricket Board said on Thursday it would push for a series of changes to playing conditions in international cricket, including an end to catching decisions being referred to the third umpire.

Australia's Michael Slater was cautioned for arguing with the umpire and Indian batsman Rahul Dravid after Slater had dived forward to take what he thought was a clean catch during last month's first Test in Bombay.

The third umpire rule was also strongly criticised in Australia after Victoria's Michael Klinger claimed a slip catch off Queensland captain Stuart Law in last month's domestic final in Brisbane.

"Following on from recent experience with the available technology that has proved inconclusive, the ACB is seeking that the ability of an umpire to refer a caught decision to the third umpire be withdrawn and that the umpires on the field be the sole arbitrators in these decisions," the ACB said in a statement.

The ACB would also like to see lights used at Test venues, where available, to make up for lost playing time.

The International Cricket Council's Cricket Committee (playing), chaired by former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar, will meet next month to consider submissions from member countries.

Teams for one-day internationals will expand to 12, if the ACB has its way, with only 11 players permitted to bat and 11 allowed on the field at one time.

Mail Cricket Editor