Testing times with DRS

The first Test between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane has already provided plenty of highlights on the field, but the central talking point remains the International Cricket Council's decision review system (DRS).

The DRS is being used for the first time on Australian soil after its full implementation by the ICC.

Players from both camps have generally praised the DRS but with each side allowed only two unsuccessful reviews per innings, questions over how best to take advantage of the system are still being floated.

In addition, despite the fact both camps have played in a Test series where the DRS has been trialed, there is still an element of the unknown.

"It's a little bit confusing for some players," Mike Hussey said after the opening day.

"I think we'd prefer our top order batsmen using them as much as possible, and not having them left towards the end, but we haven't got a rule as such."

Windies wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin admitted his side was 'still getting use to' the DRS after essentially wasting their two unsuccessful challenges before stumbling to 5-134 at stumps on the second day.

"Some series we use it and some we don't," Ramdin said on Friday.

"Generally if it's an important batsman, a batter will try and use it - unfortunately it didn't come off for us today."

"It has a bad side and a good side."

The DRS was given its first serious workout in Australia's innings when the score was 6-386 and umpire Ian Gould adjudicated that Mitchell Johnson was out edging to a fine ball from Sulieman Benn.

With the home side yet to challenge (successfully or not) any decision, Johnson called for a review.

Third umpire Mark Benson studied the slow-motion replay, hotspot technology, and the on-field microphone's recording, but did not find enough evidence to overturn Gould's verdict that an edge had flew to Ramdin.

The rules of the DRS state that the benefit of the doubt must be given to the on-field umpire, and while replays suggested Johnson did in fact miss the ball, the evidence was not conclusive enough.

The 28-year-old, who later picked up figures of 2-45 to play his part in a remarkable Windies batting collapse, was adamant the system worked 'pretty well'.

"Originally I thought I wasn't out, that's why I went to the referral, and it came back that I was out - so I guess you just accept those decisions," Johnson said.

"I guess in the end you just accept it and you keep playing, (and) move on."

While Johnson's review was the only time the Australian camp has asked for a decision to be taken upstairs, the tourists' problem was more overuse.

Captain Chris Gayle and veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul both asked for reviews of LBW decisions from Gould, and both times the replays confirmed the initial verdict.

Johnson was hesitant to comment on Gayle and Chanderpaul's actions.

"We thought they were pretty much out, but that's how they want to use it and that's their choice," he said.

"I guess there is talk about how best to use the referral, and when to use it, but obviously they didn't think they were out at the time, and that's what it's there for."

Ramdin was also not about to criticise his veteran teammates.

"I can't really say much about the decisions, but they're gone and that is in the past - we're just looking forward to tomorrow," Ramdin said.

"We don't have two up our sleeve."

Hussey admitted he was surprised when Australia opener Shane Watson trudged off after being trapped LBW by Jerome Taylor in the third over of the match.

"I must admit, I thought he should have (asked for a review)," Hussey said.

"But he was adamant (and said) 'you've got to use your bat, and I should have hit it'."