Do you think the Umpire Decision Referral System in cricket is a good idea?

The Umpire Decision Referral System (UDRS), which was introduced in ODIs this January, has created a huge buzz. As may have been expected, players are happy with it but umpires are not.

The system made its debut on November 24, 2009, during the first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan. It was introduced for the sole purpose of reviewing the controversial decisions made by on-field umpires in case of a batsman being adjudged out, or not out.

Each team gets two chances to challenge an umpire’s decision. The fielding team captain or the batsman being dismissed invokes the challenge by signalling a "T" with the arms. This system simply makes the best possible use of the available resources and technology to give the correct decision.

The UDRS uses HawkEye, a ball tracker, a super slow-motion camera, and a stump microphone. But many feel this takes the human quotient out of sports, that human errors, even mistakes by umpires, are part and parcel of the game and it just wouldn't be cricket if it were so cut and dried, with every decision being awarded to the third umpire.

Moreover, many current and former international umpires, including Harold 'Dickie' Bird, have criticised the new system. “They are taking the authority away from the on-field umpires,” said the respected Englishman.

Former Test umpire Darrell Hair has also called for the UDRS to be scrapped, saying cricket's electronic eye is destroying the confidence of umpires. The controversial Australian said, “I cannot help wondering how much of a confidence dent will be left on some of our ICC umpires when they begin to continually have decisions overturned.” What do you think of the Umpire Decision Referral System? Is it a good idea for cricket?