Demons with the dreaded finger!!!!

Second test at SCG will always be remembered for its bad umpiring rather than the beautiful knocks by Symonds and Hogg. Men in white coats have marred the gentleman's game with their power. On top of these men in white coats, third umpire with all the possible technologies to his aid made an error which caused India loose the grip over the match.

Its well known that, most of the times first inning of the test match decides the outcome. With below level umpiring we have seen till now in this test, it is clear that the result will not be at all in favour of India.

I am not at all an ardent fan of Indian Bowling attack though I have very high respect for Kumble & Bhajji, I was feeling really bad for them yesterday. Almost everything went against them other than another poor decision against Punter.

I understand that on-field umpires are humans and are prone to mistakes. There shouldn't be criticism against that as it is part and parcel of the game but mistake from third umpire is not at all acceptable. Third umpire is there because on-field umpires have doubt in their mind and thats why they want to get help from somebody else.

Yesterday's third umpire's decision against Symonds was a big mistake on its side. One will not be able to know the intention behind that decision whether it was through patriotism (obviously unsportsmanlike) or with some justification, it is clear that the third umpire should not be allowed to sit in that chair any more otherwise we will get to see such decisions more.

I read in the newspaper about Gilchrist opposing more usage of technology in umpiring, I also strongly feel the same. The nature of game should not be changed allowing more usage of technology for on-field umpires but to provide unbiased environment in cricket I guess time has come to follow Tennis. They came up with idea of Challenges . Something on the similar lines should be introduced in cricket. I hope challenging umpires decision will not be contempt of umpiring institution as they understand that one bad decision can turn the game.

My suggestion is during complete course of match both the teams should be given 5 challenges and it will be left to the team whether to use it during their batting or bowling. Such provision would surely improvise the status of game and team worthy of winning the game will result in winning the game.