{image-steve waugh_08052008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Melbourne, May 8: Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh has cautiously welcomed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) plan to allow players the right to challenge umpiring decisions in Test cricket.

The world governing body announced yesterday an umpire review system would be trialled in a Test series this year, possibly between England and South Africa, starting in July. Captains and bowlers will be able to use the Hawkeye system to challenge up to three decisions each innings - including lbws and catches. ''Modern-day sport is moving more and more in this direction and if it works it will be great,'' Waugh was qouted as saying by the 'Advertiser'. ''If it doesn't detract too much from the game and the right decisions are given, it can only be a good thing.'' ''I'm willing to see how it works, just as long as it doesn't take too long. I'm also in favour of the human element and I think anybody who spends up to six or seven hours a day watching cricket wants to be part of that decision-making process,'' he added.

Under the ICC proposal, the on-field umpire will consult with the third umpire when a decision is challenged, before the on-field umpire gives the final decision.

The video system could prolong the careers of several struggling umpires - notably South Africa's Rudi Koertzen and West Indian Steve Bucknor - who are past their best and have produced repeated umpiring shockers.

Much of the hostile tensions from last summer were sparked when India felt they had been robbed by dud decisions from Bucknor, including a caught-behind featuring Andrew Symonds, after which he went on to score a match-winning century.

However, Waugh said he hoped for cricket's sake the game did not become too sterile and lose its passion as a result of prolonged stoppages for video replays.

UNI