Just posted the same thing in the SA V Aust threadIf they're going to do referrals, they should use hotspot and snicko. I can see the reason for not using the predictive part of hawkeye, because it's a prediction of what might happen. But hotspot and snicko are actually what has happened.
Same thing as when they started referrals for run outsI didn't fully realise that it was basically up to the TV company what technology to provide, and what they decide to pay for. That definitely doesn't seem right if it's actually being used officially by the umpires.
Hot spot is the answerIt's been unfortunate in the current England series that Harper hasn't done his job within his remit and too many referrals have been borderline LBW's. Where it becomes invaluable is the bat-pad that's given not out or the edge onto the pad which is given out LBW.
If your going to have a referral system, then you MUST give the 3rd umpire all the tool available. What is the point in having a system but your half arsed about it?
Thought I was in a minority here, but I completely agree. ATM, the system needs to be given a fair chance, by both players and umpires. I'm not sure if this is already the case, but I would say that if the technology is available even in part (for example, hot spot is available for the first three tests but not the final two), it should be used when it can.I'm very happy with the current system for now. Seems to work pretty well, and will work better when everyone's got used to it. Obviously there are some glitches to iron out but they will be addressed pretty rapidly.
New aspects (eg hotspot, snicko) might be added in due course but let's take it one step at a time.