Smith all for 'hot spot' technology

DURBAN // Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, is pleased the "hot spot" technology will be used for umpire referral decisions in the second Test against Australia starting today. "Hot spot", an infrared camera that detects ball impacts, was unavailable for Australia's first Test victory in Johannesburg. "You've got to have all the technology available for it [referrals] to work," Smith said yesterday. "For fine edges, or edges from the bat on to the pad, it's very difficult without the proper technology. If 'hot spot' is available then it's fine but if it's not, then I don't think you should have referrals."

Smith said he was perturbed by the referral system, being used on a trial basis, in the first Test. "I just couldn't seem to get it right so I'm a bit sceptical and frustrated about it," he said. "It's frustrating when all the technology is not there." Meanwhile, Smith's counterpart, Ricky Ponting, has thrown his weight behind the out-of-form all-rounder Andrew McDonald being retained for the Test. The tourists, however, have concerns over the fitness of their bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle.

* Reuters