Australia look to review their DRS process

Australia's top-order batsmen have been encouraged to go for reviews in the final two Ashes Tests as the tourists seek to improve their Decision Review System (DRS) record.

Tim Paine has earned widespread praise for his leadership since replacing Steve Smith as captain in the aftermath of the Cape Town scandal.

But Australia's ineffective use of the DRS under Paine has been a concern, especially during the current five-Test series when England have repeatedly used referrals to overturn on-field decisions.

Paine and coach Justin Langer have both acknowledged there is room for improvement, as have vice-captains Pat Cummins and Travis Head.

Paine's referral of Cummins' optimistic lbw shout in Leeds last week was one of many ‘what if’ moments in the dramatic final hour of the third Test.

It robbed Australia of their final review, which could have been used to secure a one-run victory by overturning a not-out verdict from Joel Wilson soon after.

Australia's leaders have discussed how best to approach the DRS during the past week, as was the case after a series-opening victory.

In the case of batting innings, the solution agreed upon after the Edgbaston triumph was simple and remains in place.

"Just use it," Cummins told AAP.

"Sometimes batsmen are scared to use one. They don't want to leave their mate down the other end stranded without a review.

"So we're just trying; if you're a top-order batsman and you have half a feeling you might not be out, then just use it.

"When we're bowling, it's a really tough one ... we had a bit of a chat about maybe changing some of the processes. Obviously we need to improve."

Part of Australia's problem is that Paine is both wicketkeeper and captain, whereas England skipper Joe Root will always have gloveman Jonny Bairstow to turn to for a second opinion when a bowler is adamant something is out.

Cummins and Paine both felt last week's pivotal lbw shout was not out but for different reasons, which caused enough doubt for the desperate captain to roll the dice.

"As a keeper, sometimes you can be a bit blinded. I know as a bowler I always find it hard to judge because my head is normally facing extra cover when I release the ball," Cummins said.

"It's a conversation between the keeper and bowler then you'll normally see someone square of the wicket give a gauge on height for lbws.

"If someone feels like they've got something to add, first slip or whatever, they'll normally speak up. Painey's decision is final.

"But if an umpire standing dead in front isn't 100 per cent certain, it's going to be hard for us to be."

2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

England squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Chris Woakes.

First Test: Australia won by 251 runs at Edgbaston

Second Test: Match drawn at Lord's

Third Test: England won by one wicket at Headingley

Fourth Test: September 4-8, Old Trafford

Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval