Australians call for review of review system

The decision review system and the struggles of a brittle batting order bore the brunt of frustrations Down Under yesterday after the tourists' 14-run defeat in the first Ashes test.

The DRS, heavily criticised throughout the see-sawing clash over five days, ultimately decided the match when the technology picked up a nick from wicketkeeper Brad Haddin that umpire Aleem Dar had failed to detect.

The caught-behind decision captured Australia's final wicket and handed England a 1-0 lead in the five-test series, but the manner of victory left many cold.

It also left local media seething after England tail-ender Stuart Broad was allowed to remain at the crease when Dar missed a thick edge, a costly oversight that Australia were unable to appeal, having used up their DRS quota.

"What a tragedy that this brilliant first test ended with the umpire decision review system making the final decision," prominent Australian cricket writer Malcolm Conn wrote in Sydney's .

"Dar gave [Broad's] most obvious of edges not out and Australia had used both their reviews so the decision stood.

"Until cricket finds a way of using technology to get rid of the howler then the game will continue to make a fool of itself."