Review system to return

LONDON:
Cricket’s controversial umpire decision review system (UDRS) will be used at the 2011 World Cup despite the technology causing splits amongst players.

In the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting at Lord’s on Friday, it was also decided that the UDRS should be introduced as soon as possible in all Test series.

“The ICC Cricket Committee recommends that DRS, subject to agreement with ICC broadcaster partners ESPN Star Sports, should be used in all matches in the World Cup 2011 in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” said an ICC statement.


As in Test cricket, each team will be allowed two referrals per innings to the third umpire. The system, however, has not been warmly welcomed by all teams and was at the centre of an embarrassing row in January during the Johannesburg Test between South Africa and England when England complained after television umpire Daryl Harper failed to overturn a not out decision because Harper allegedly failed to turn up the sound on an audio feed from the stump microphone.

The ICC agreed that a minimum standard of technology, such as ball tracking, including in the third umpire room, should be introduced.

In an attempt to alter the balance of power when it comes to the switch hit and the reverse sweep, the batsman will now be prevented from changing his grip or stance before the bowler enters his delivery stride. Should the bowler see a batsman change his grip or stance prior to the delivery stride the bowler can decide not to bowl the ball.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2010.
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