Australia Drop Hot Spot For Ashes Series

Third umpires in this winter's return Ashes series in Australia will not be able to call upon Hot Spot to help with decision reviews.

The infrared camera system attracted controversy during the summer and was branded unreliable following questionable decisions involving Kevin Pietersen and Usman Khawaja.

The Hot Spot technology uses heat sensors to help the third umpire decide if the ball has made any contact with bat or pads.

But the fallibility of the system led to accusations that players were applying silicon tape and Vaseline to the edges of their bats to conceal any contact with the ball.

Australia's host broadcaster Channel Nine has now decided not to employ Hot Spot when England defend the Ashes in the winter after apparently failing to agree a financial package with Hot Spot's owners, BBG.

Hot Spot creator Warren Brennan told the Sydney Morning Herald: ''It's their decision and that's what's been communicated to us. As far as I'm concerned, it is final.

''We're just moving on with things. Channel Nine have got a new deal with Cricket Australia which I know has cost them a lot more money. I gather there had to be some restructuring of costs.''

Brennan also hit out at Cricket Australia for not offering to help resolve the flaws in the Hot Spot technology.

''I don't have a beef with Channel Nine,'' Brennan added. ''The disappointing thing for us is that Cricket Australia didn't engage at all with us to try and come on board and help with this situation. They just said it's got nothing to do with them, it's Channel Nine's responsibility.

"What's disappointing is we work in four countries at the moment - well, until recently. Cricket Australia is the only body that doesn't contribute to our costs for the DRS components.

"New Zealand contribute directly to us, the England and Wales Cricket Board contribute and also South Africa.

"My only beef is with Cricket Australia because we tried to engage with them several weeks ago and they refused.

"We need to continue to invest and improve the product so that everybody thinks it's getting better. If bodies like Cricket Australia won't come on board and contribute to that, there's not really any point in us continuing.''

The Decision Review System for the return Ashes will now be limited to Eagle Eye, Australia's verison of Hawkeye, audio evidence and slow-motion replays.