AUSTRALIAN captain Michael Clarke called for the ICC to make review

AUSTRALIAN captain Michael Clarke called for the ICC to make a definitive decision on the use of video technology after England batsman Ian Bell used the review system as an instrument of torture to score a controversial century on day three of the fifth Test.

The cat got Bell's tongue after stumps. He failed to attend what would normally be a routine press conference at the SCG last night.

Bell was expected to join fellow centurion Alastair Cook but fuelling the belief he had something to hide, Bell left Cook to do all the talking about the most controversial day of the series.

Speaking to Channel 9 after play, Bell was spared questions relating to the biggest talking point, his referral of his dismissal for 67.

Snicko technology, stump microphones and on-field umpire Aleem Dar detected an edge to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin but because Hot Spot showed nothing, Dar reversed his call and Bell scurried away to make 115.

Clarke was adamant that Bell was out. "We thought there was an inside edge," Clarke said.

"We appealed that, it was referred. Technology says with the result that Ian didn't hit the ball. I certainly don't think Ian is a cheat."

However, TV commentators, radio commentators and past players were tut-tutting Bell long into the night.

He was jeered by the SCG crowd upon reaching his hundred in such dubious circumstances. Presently, with world No. 1 India refusing to play with Hot Spot, Test cricket has the ludicrous situation of only certain matches being played with the technology.

Clarke wants uniformity.

"I'd like it to be either in or be out," Clarke said.

"I'd like the ICC to make that decision and then at least it's fair for every team dealing with the same issue. I actually said that out there to Bell as well. I said, 'I do think Hot Spot is inconsistent'."

If an edge is fine enough, they know Hot Spot might not detect it. "I would find it very hard to believe anybody would refer a decision if they hit it," Clarke said.

"I think Ian wasn't sure and that's why he referred it.

"I haven't seen Snicko and I haven't seen the replay.