31 August 2004	Tuesday	14 Rajab 1425

ISLAMABAD, Aug 30: Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq is in favour of the use of more technology to assist the umpires after two debatable decisions by English umpire David Shepherd against Australia played major part in Pakistan's defeat in the triangular final.

"Yes, I'm very much in favour of this step, because the game of cricket has become very professional, small errors have been affecting results," said the Inzamam. "So much cricket is being played and umpires have been under tremendous pressure due to the heavy workload," Inzamam was quoted as saying in reports available on Monday.

Shepherd ruled Inzamam as well as Yousuf Youhana out even though the ball appeared to have well passed the bat, leading to Pakistan's defeat by Australia in the final of triangular series in Holland, also featuring India.

The search for improved decision-making will see standing umpires wired-up to TV stump microphone technology, and third umpires calling no balls during the ICC Champions Trophy to be played in England next month.

Interestingly, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has reiterated Australian Cricket Board's stand to go slow on the use of technology in support of the umpires. Most other international cricket captains have backed the ICC's experimental use of technology to assist better umpire decision making, according to the findings of a survey commissioned among the captains of teams competing in Champions Trophy. -APP