‘Technology has made it difficult’

Former Test umpire Taufel admits officiating has become tougher.

LONDON: Former Test umpire Simon Taufel has admitted technology poses a ‘double edge’ for decision-makers.

The Australian, who retired from umpiring after the World Twenty20 in October, said the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia ‘highlights one significant challenge — that of succession planning’.

While the likes of former Australia captain Ian Chappell have said the Decision Review System (DRS) should be solely in the hands of the umpires, with player reviews a thing of the past, Taufel was coy over whether any changes should be made.

“The technology genie has been let out of the bottle and it’s not going to go back in,” he said.

“I would simply advocate that we look at ways to be as pragmatic as possible so we can get more correct decisions and deliver more justice.

“I do have an important message on this topic though as it is often asked, ‘what is your view on the DRS?’ I’m not sure that this is the right question. Perhaps we should be asking ‘are we using technology in the best way to serve the players, supporters, umpires and values of our game?’

“No matter what system of technology review/referral we implement in our game, it will not be perfect or 100%.

“There are trade-offs and compromises with every system adopted.

“Not too much now happens on a cricket field that is not captured by a camera, a microphone or piece of technology. This has the ability to bring out the best in the game and also the worst.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.