A scene behind the pavilion at Seddon Park today summed up the toll the Decision Review System communication process takes on umpires.
Paul Reiffel cut a disconsolate figure leaning against the wire-netted security fence during the lunch break.
Match referee and former Australian teammate David Boon approached to offer support
with an arm around the shoulder.
Late in the session Reiffel was faced with a decision which, in bygone days, would have been filed under 'benefit of the doubt' in favour of the batsman.
Doug Bracewell angled a ball across left-hander Udara Jayasundera from over the wicket. The New Zealanders appealed on the assumption it had brushed his gloves.
Reiffel ruled 'not out' but television colleague Richard Kettleborough disagreed, despite what appeared limited evidence via Hotspot and Snicko. A minor deviation was apparent on the visual close-up.
Kettleborough had little to go on, but gave him out. Cue Reiffel's distress.
It adds another chapter to the ongoing poor advertisement for the relationship between technology and the umpires. Numerous incidents have incited doubt in fans' and players' minds in recent weeks.
For starters both teams, perhaps unsurprisingly, had different views on the Jayasundera incident.
"I thought it was pretty good umpiring," New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner said. "Everybody could see the way it hit the glove and followed out. At times I don't know why technology doesn't always show something, but that's why the umpires have to step in and take ownership."
"I don't think it was out," Sri Lankan bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake countered. "We didn't see anything on the TV. I can't talk about the umpiring, but what I saw indicated it was not out.
"We need to have a serious think about the DRS, there are a lot of errors."
The DRS, which has improved accuracy in the game, is not to blame. It is the process and the relationship between the television umpire and the DRS technical experts. They are not allowed to give the umpire any operational advice.
As a result, DRS providers Animation Research are already investing $500,000 to improve the system because the International Cricket Council won't take the initiative.
Last week the company's chief executive Ian Taylor said they want to provide the third umpire with enhanced information.
"Those guys standing in the middle are really skilled. But a totally different skill set and mindset is needed to understand the technology."
The disconnect between umpires and the DRS experts is affecting all stakeholders' confidence in the system. It can't help morale within umpire ranks either, given their decisions dictate player futures.
The International Cricket Council must act.
