Cricket: No reprieve as Aussies take series

Umpire Billy Bowden raises his finger for the second time after getting the signal from the third umpire to dismiss Kemar Roach. Photo / Getty Images

Test cricket's contentious referral system was again at the centre of controversy as Australia wrapped up the third test against the West Indies in Perth.

With the Windies needing 35 more runs for victory but with just one wicket in hand, tail-ender Kemar Roach was adjudged out, caught behind by New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden off the bowling of Doug Bollinger.

With the visitors still holding two referrals and with nothing to lose, Roach appealed the decision - even though the Australians and Bowden were convinced it was a clear-cut edge.

But when replays showed no evidence of a nick, with even Hot Spot showing up no mark, Roach was expected to be given a reprieve.

However, after conferring with TV umpire Asad Rauf, Bowden once again raised his finger, ending the match and handing Australia a 2-0 series win.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting believed the right decision was made even though replays proved inconclusive.

"I think that was a really good decision by the on-field umpire and I think it was handled really well back in here as far as the third umpire side of things went as well," Ponting said.

"I believe nothing showed up on Hot Spot.

"That's really good umpiring as far as I'm concerned."

The referral system has come under heavy criticism throughout the three-test series, with players left especially bewildered during the drawn second test in Adelaide.

In that match, several caught-behind appeals by the Australians were given out by the on-field umpire but turned down after referral.

Windies skipper Chris Gayle hasn't been won over by the new system and admitted caught-behind decisions were difficult to prove on replay.

"It seems like it will be a difficult one when it comes to caught behind," Gayle said.

"It looked difficult on telly when they do get an edge, so it's a tough call."

Ponting said Roach's decision to appeal his dismissal didn't go against the spirit of the game.

"They've got two up their sleeve, they're nine wickets down and they need 30-odd to win, and it was a really faint edge," he said.

"Anyone would've used it in that situation.

"If you look back to Adelaide, there were probably a couple similar to that that might have snuck through.

"You can't blame the batsman for doing it.

"If that was us, we probably would have done the same thing. It's probably not why it was brought in [to appeal even when you know you're out]."

Gayle said the Windies had not pre-planned to use the appeal on their last wicket regardless of the dismissal.

"I never thought about that but I think that could've been a nice idea to refer it, regardless of the situation you could've given it a try," he said.

"Next time I will tell them (to do that)."AAP