After DRS, BCCI says no to Hot Spot for India-Aus Tests

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not only stuck to its guns on non-acceptance of the Decision Review System (DRS), but also shot down the use of Hot Spot for the upcoming series against Australia.

Cricket circles in Australia, understandably, don't see any merit in India's stance, and fear it could turn out to be a controversial one if a couple of decisions go against the tourists at a critical stage of a game.

It was poor umpiring on India's previous tour to Australia four years ago that sparked trouble and almost led to the tour being abandoned.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's latest stance was made clear only a fortnight ago after it made a pre-tour inspection of Australian conditions.

Contentiously for India, Channel Nine, the broadcasting network for the series, is going ahead to use the DRS and Hot Spot for its viewers, allowing them a better view of controversial decisions than the umpires.

"If India get a couple of rough ones through the summer, they might all of a sudden become a fan of DRS," said Brad McNamara, the executive producer of Channel Nine.

"It's a bit confusing. The thing I worry about probably more than anything is the viewers. It's hard to explain to them why DRS is on in one series but not in the next in the one summer in Australia," he added.

Australia's coach Mickey Arthur has lamented India's refusal and said he had hoped the ball-tracking devices and Hot Spot would have been used.

"I have been in favour of it, I always have been," said Arthur.

Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young also backed Arthur's view.

"Our view is well-documented, we are a supporter of DRS. It was discussed," he said.

"The ICC's policy is very clear: for any individual tour you need both nations to agree. India has a view about the accuracy."

During its England tour, India refused the DRS, but allowed Hot Spot to be used for close catches and edges.