Pot shots taken at “Hot Spot” for failing test of infallibility

SYDNEY - Cricket’s electronic eye, “Hot Spot”, has had its first major Ashes glitch when debate raged over whether Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke had edged a ball on the opening day of the Brisbane Test.

The controversy started when Clarke flashed at a ball from fast bowler Steve Finn, but was given not out by on-field umpire Aleem Dar.

England captain Andrew Strauss immediately sent the decision for video review, which was eventually rejected by third umpire Tony Hill as video replays and Hot Spot technology failed to give cause to overturn Dar’s decision.

Hot Spot, which takes the help of four heat-seeking cameras at the ground, could not detect an edge as video evidence did not spot a mark on Clarke’s bat.

However, Channel Nine’s “Snicko”, which can’t be used to rule on dismissals, later suggested that Clarke had got a faint edge.

Finn was “convinced” that Clarke was out, but said that he respected the decision.

“I was convinced there was an edge there, because I thought I heard a noise. But Hot Spot didn’t say anything and you have to respect that. On the basis of the evidence the umpire got it right,” Finn said.

Asked if Hot Spot was fallible, Finn said: “I have no idea about the technology. Obviously we were convinced there was a nick there, hence why the review was called, but hot spot showed different.”

Former cricketers were also convinced that the technology had let them down.

“It looks like there was a flick (edge) there, it was so fine that ‘Hot Spot’ couldn’t pick it up,” News.com.au quoted former opening batsman Michael Slater, as saying.

“I have no doubt that was out,” former Test captain Bill Lawry added. (ANI)