ICC to continue with 'controversial' Hot Spot in final two Ashes Tests

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that the contentious Hot Spot technology of the Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in the final two Tests of the ongoing Ashes series, despite the controversy over its use and cheating claims.

According to Sport24, an Australian TV network alleged that that players in the current series between England and Australia were using the tape on their bats to avoid nicks being detected by the thermal imaging system.

However, the report said that allegations prompted swift denials from both teams with the ICC saying the claims were incorrect and it was not investigating any alleged attempts by players to cheat the technology, as reported.

ICC'S general manager of cricket Geoff Allardice confirmed about the continued use of Hot Spot in the final two Tests to be played at Chester-le-Street from Friday and at The Oval from August 21 respectively, saying that the talks with both the Ashes sides have been 'very constructive' with the teams and umpires repeating their support for the DRS.

Although Allardice admitted that the DRS has not performed as effectively during the past three Tests as it has in other series, he, however, insisted that the Hot Spot was just one tool at the disposal of the third umpire.

According to Allardice, if there is no mark on the Hot Spot, the TV umpire can use replays from different angles to see whether the ball has deflected off the bat, and can also listen to the sound from the stump-microphone to determine whether the batsman has edged the ball, to make his final judgement.

Stating that the ICC was looking at ways to improve the system, Allardice also said that they had conducted a trial during the third Test in which the TV umpire accessed replays using a multi-channel monitor system with its own operator and recording device.

Allardice further said that with positive feedback from the trial, the governing body is now considering how best to incorporate the technology into the DRS.

Allardice also added that the ICC would address use of technology to determine contested appeals in the light of criticisms about how the third umpire has interpreted information.