The International Cricket Council's decision review system faces an acid test as South Africa and England lock horns.

But while some of the players are unsure about its merits, the ICC's general cricket manager Dave Richardson is adamant the system will only benefit his sport, as long as it is given a fighting chance.

In fact, the only danger to its longevity, Richardson believes, will be misguided hostility from within.

To those who fear the DRS may simply add more potential for controversy to an already high-stakes four-Test series, Richardson administers a dose of well-argued reality.

"This will definitely diminish controversy over umpiring decisions," he predicts.

"The biggest danger is that people are not prepared to give it the time needed to come to terms with it, and they write it off before the system can prove itself and work to its full potential.

"In that way only, the opportunity is lost to improve cricket and invest the time in a system we believe in."

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The ICC cite majority support for a system, which has already had an awkward birth, from players and officials.

Yet still there are dissenting voices, from plenty who appear to matter.

"I think it's going to confuse all of us," South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini said today.

"You appeal for an lbw, and then they turn round and put it on the TV - and we have to wait for another five minutes for the third umpire to give us the result.

"It's going to make the day even longer, and it's giving more chances to the batsmen and less to the bowlers."

Ntini's take may, of course, be a partisan one from the bowlers' union.

The same might be said for Stuart Broad - although his reservations are less strident.

"We used it in the Caribbean [during England's Test series there last winter], but I don't think it had all the technology available," said the fast bowler.

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"It is a strange feeling when you feel like you've got a wicket, then it gets referred.

"But I'm happy to see technology in the game if it helps the big decisions that can change the course of games and series - so long as it's right."

Richardson has also provided an update on the status of ICC umpire Mark Benson, who withdrew from the ongoing Australia-West Indies Test series - amid contrasting reports that he was unhappy with the DRS and that he was feeling unwell.

"He has gone off for medical tests," Richardson confirmed.

"It is a combination of a heart problem which is troubling him and the fact that ever since then, his confidence has suffered."

Benson this month left the Adelaide Test mid-match but is still retained as an ICC official.

"He did not have the greatest of seasons but came back and earned his Tests," Richardson added.

"But then on that first day he made two mistakes, in some people's eyes.

"He is still contracted to us but is taking a break - in the same way as a batsman who needed to restore confidence might be rested."