Cricketers risk making a fool of themselves if they try to deceive technology by challenging close dismissals even when they know they are out under the Decision Review System, England batsman Alastair Cook has warned.
-Scorecard: 5th Test - Australia vs England
In the ongoing fifth Ashes Test against Australia, visiting batsman Ian Bell challenged the umpire's decision after being adjudged out caught behind and had the decision overturned in his favour through a controversial referral which could not provide any conclusive evidence for or against the on-field official's verdict.
Cook said Bell would not have risked being embarrassment if he had not been sure about challenging the verdict.
"If Belly had honestly thought he'd nicked it, I can't see him standing because then you look quite foolish when you've nicked it and referred it," he said.
"I don't think any players are trying to bluff technology, you could end up with egg on your face quite quickly," Cook was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Australia's stand-in captain Michael Clarke also felt that Bell was no cheat.
"I don't think Ian Bell is a cheat at all," said Clarke.
"We thought there was an inside edge. We appealed that, it was referred. Technology says with the result that Ian didn't hit the ball. I certainly don't think Ian is a cheat.
"I would find it very hard to believe anybody would refer a decision if they hit it. I think Ian wasn't sure and that's why he referred it," he added.
Clarke said he continues to believe in technology despite some glitches.
"...there's going to be a few inconsistent areas in that, sometimes it's frustrating," he said.
"Both teams are dealing with the same issues. I'd like it to be either in or be out, I'd like the ICC to make that decision and then at least it's fair for every team dealing with the same issue."
