England’s and Australia’s cricketers still back the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) for the last two Tests of the Ashes series despite a string of controversies in the opening three games.

“We acknowledge the DRS has not performed as effectively during the past three Tests as it has in other series,” explained International Cricket Council general manager Geoff Allardice on the eve of the fourth Test in Durham.

Allardice said he had spoken to both teams on Wednesday "to identify potential improvements to DRS moving forward".

Reiterate support
"It was very encouraging to hear both teams reiterate their support for the use of DRS. Some of the ideas that were suggested . . . could improve the system and will be considered further by the ICC," added Allardice in a news release.

England, who hold a 2-0 lead, have already retained the Ashes, as Australia cannot now win the series.

Captain Alastair Cook, who reiterated yesterday that the goal of his players was to win the series outright, said the DRS talks with the ICC were productive.

“It was a good meeting for us, trying to clear up a few issues both sides are having,“ he added. “I think it was a good outcome, they held their hands up at the end and said mistakes have been made.”

The use of ‘Hot Spot’ has also come under the microscope during this series, with the technology sometimes failing to pick up edges from the batsmen.

This was another issue Allardice discussed with England and Australia on Wednesday.

“It (Hot Spot) is conclusive, when there is a mark we know the bat has hit the ball,” said the ICC’s general manager.

“In working with the operator over several years we know the majority of edges are detected by Hot Spot but there are occasions when a fine edge isn’t picked up.

"Either deflection or sound can be used by the TV umpire to make his final judgment," said Allardice.

Technology discussion
While Australia captain Michael Clarke was reluctant to talk about technology, Cook was happy to discuss the issue.

“In the past Hot Spot has worked really well and I don’t know why it hasn’t in this series,“ said the England skipper.

“There have been three or four strange occurrences when there’s been a noise and no mark. I don’t know why.”

Cook dismissed the notion that the technology could be suddenly banned.