The system is not being used in the New Zealand-Pakistan series and probably won't be in any others in the forseeable future for two main reasons -- cost and arguments over who should take the financial hit, and the fact powerhouse India are firmly against the UDRS and have said they will not use it in any bilateral series.
Although there have been hiccups since its introduction in 2008 there have been far more correct decisions in test cricket under the UDRS.
It takes away the real clangers and although there are inconsistencies with the way it operates, and players have too often used it in the hope of to taking advantage of deficiencies, it was sorely missed in the first test at Seddon Park here.
"I want to be a winning captain and argue that point rather than a losing one because I think it looks like sour grapes," Vettori said following his team's embarrassing 10-wicket defeat inside three days, before continuing:
"I've been consistent in saying I always thought the referral system was the way to go.
"I think most people in world cricket feel the same."
Both sides were on the wrong end of obvious errors which could have been immediately corrected by the UDRS. Three years ago those mistakes were acceped as part of the game but now that the cricketing world has had a taste of life with technology, it is difficult to go back.
The most obvious examples of its value to the Hamilton test both involved New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum.
On day one he was given not out on 34 when he clearly gloved a pull shot and was caught behind. He went on to make 56 but would not have been given the chance to add another 22 runs under the UDRS.
In the second innings he was given out for 35 in the same fashion but, this time, replays showed he clearly missed the ball. New Zealand were 44 for one at the time, trailing Pakistan by 48 runs, but they went on to be all out for 110.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) likes the UDRS but does not want to pay the considerable costs involved to use it in every series. Instead, the ICC believes broadcasters should fork out.
It is unlikely sponsors will pick up the tab if India are dead against the system, while it has been reported that technology providers have said it must be used for all series, or none.
