Harbhajan wants referrals in ODIs as well

Harbhajan Singh, the Indian offspinner, has backed the ICC's umpire referral system and wants it to be implemented in one-dayers also to avoid dubious umpiring decisions.

"The umpire referral system is good for the game, which is aimed at making the game more fair as both batsmen and bowler can refer any controversial decision," he said. "I think the system should also be there in ODIs." The ICC has so far trialled the system in selected Test series, including the ongoing one between England and West Indies.

The system has evoked a mixed response - some people like former umpire Dickie Bird and ECB chairman Giles Clarke are unhappy with the system while others, including former West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding, think it makes use of available technology.

"If it would have been implemented in the ODIs then Sachin Tendulkar would have benefited in Sri Lanka," Harbhajan said. Tendulkar was handed harsh lbw decisions in each of his three innings in the recent one-dayers against Sri Lanka, but India went on to win the series 4-1.

Harbhajan missed that series due to a hamstring injury but said he had now recovered and was looking forward to the New Zealand tour. "I don't know what type of pitches we are going to get in New Zealand but basics always remain the same," he said. "I will try to adjust to the changing conditions."

With the retirement of Anil Kumble, Harbhajan is now the senior spinner in the side and none of the other frontline spinners have much experience in conditions outside the subcontinent.