ICC to keep review system

System is here to stay, says ICC

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

ICC to keep review system

Richardson: Behind review system

It was clear that everyone believes technology is here to stay.

David Richardson
Quotes of the week

Also see

The International Cricket Council insist their decision review system is a permanent fixture - and could even be used in the World Cup next year.

DRS has been at the centre of much controversy since its introduction to Test cricket last year.

It caused particular uproar during England's recent tour of South Africa, where an entire match was almost overshadowed by the commotion surrounding third umpire Daryl Harper's decision to uphold a not-out verdict against home captain Graeme Smith following a review for caught-behind.

Support

However, chief executives of the ICC's member nations reported after a meeting in Dubai this week that the system, which allows teams to review on-field decisions to the TV official, has universal support.

Also under consideration is the proposal to expand the use of DRS, currently operational in Test cricket only, to the 50-over format.

A two-day 'workshop' was conducted by David Richardson, ICC general manager of cricket, following this week's meeting, which invited the input of broadcasters, technology suppliers and umpire representatives.

"It was an extremely valuable two days for technology development, and we are grateful to all those who attended," he said.

"It was clear that everyone believes technology is here to stay."

That conclusion is debatable following the immediate reaction of England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke to the controversy that surrounded the Johannesburg Test in January.

However, neither the workshop nor committee had specific responsibility to make recommendations on the Wanderers incident.

The ICC announced two months ago it would conduct an investigation into those events, and others arising, and that the inquiry was still in progress.

Richardson added: "The scope of the discussion covered the protocols for broadcasters and umpires, as well as the playing conditions around DRS."

Issue

An issue that surfaced in January was the debatable quality of the audio feed available to Harper as he made the decision whether or not Smith had edged a ball from Ryan Sidebottom on its way into Matt Prior's gloves.

"We also looked at the preferred technology, whether there was a need for standardisation for all Tests around the world and the cost of providing equipment at all Test matches," added Richardson.

"There was also constructive discussions on whether DRS should be used for the ICC Cricket World Cup."