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Swann defends umpiring referrals

Graeme Swann talks to Ramnaresh Sarwan
Swann was England's most successful bowler with 3-92

England's Graeme Swann defended the controversial umpire review system after three lbw appeals were referred on the third day of the fourth Test.

The off-spinner collected two wickets via third umpire Daryl Harper as the West Indies finished on 398-5, 202 runs behind England's first-innings score.

Swann said: "While it's there we intend to use it to our advantage.

"In Jamaica we weren't happy with it, we thought were on the rough end of a couple of decisions."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned a trial use of technology during the five-Test series in the Caribbean, although both teams have, at times during the series, appeared confused by its regulations.

Opener Devon Smith and middle-order batsman Brendan Nash were both dismissed via referrals from on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Russell Tiffin off Swann.

And Shivnarine Chanderpaul was controversially given out to a ball which Hawk-eye predicted would have missed the stumps off James Anderson for 70.

Third umpire Harper does not have access to television tools such as Hawk-eye or Snickometer and his role is as an advisor, with the on-field officials authorising the final decision.

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However, Harper's advice at the Kensington Oval prompted West Indies coach John Dyson to speak to match referee Alan Hurst during the final session of the day.

"It's a system that will have people arguing over it but people have always argued about lbw," Swann told BBC Sport.

"It's not very nice when a decision has been given and it's referred - you desperately don't want it taken away from you.

"As a bowler I have been complaining for years about lbws I don't get. The odd one here and there I'm not going to complain about."



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see also
Jonathan Agnew column
01 Mar 09 |  England
England on top after Strauss ton
26 Feb 09 |  England
England in West Indies 2009
29 Dec 08 |  England


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