Johnson happy with new system despite his demise

While still believing he was not out, Australian dangerman Mitchell Johnson on Friday backed the new umpire review system that has caused controversy at the first Test against the West Indies.

Johnson left the Gabba field in obvious disappointment when dismissed for seven in Australia’s first innings of 8(dec)-480, but changed his tune by stumps on the second day.

Johnson was given out caught behind off spinner Sulieman Benn but asked for the decision to be reviewed.

Although hot spot technology did not detect a knick, the outcome was deemed “umpire’s call”.

Umpire Ian Gould duly stuck by his decision – much to Johnson’s disappointment.

But the Australian later said he had copped the decision on the chin and fully backed the new system that still has some players confused.

“Originally I thought I wasn’t out, that’s why I went to the referral, and it came back that I was out so I guess you just accept those decisions,” Johnson said.

“I still think the system works pretty well.

“It went upstairs and came back I think as the umpire’s decision.

“At the time I didn’t think I hit it, that’s why I referred it but you accept it – you move on.”

There were no grey areas when the tourists used their two appeals for the innings in quick succession on Friday as they crashed to be 5-134 by stumps.

But it still didn’t seem to clear up uncertainty about the new system judging by Windies keeper Denesh Ramdin.

“I am still trying to get used to it,” he said.

“It has its bad side and it has its good side.”

Asked to elaborate Ramdin said: “You saw it today.”

Ramdin (22 not out) and Travis Dowlin (40 not out) battled on to stumps.

But they must try to hold out Australia knowing they do not have the luxury of an appeal following the dismissals of key batsmen Chris Gayle (31) and Shiv Chanderpaul (2).

Gayle was trapped in front by Ben Hilfenhaus and began walking before asking for a review.

Ball tracking technology revealed it was one of the most plumb LBWs in Test cricket history.

Chanderpaul then asked when he was given LBW to Peter Siddle – and technology’s findings were just as ugly for a Windies supporter.

Ramdin didn’t begrudge their best two batsmen using up the team’s appeal quota.

“Generally if it is an important batsman, try to use it, unfortunately it didn’t come off today,” he said.

Of the Windies’ reviews, Johnson said: “We thought they were pretty much out, but that’s how they want to use it.”

Like this content? Buzz it up!

Recently popular

Free Email updates:

Get a daily Cricket email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...