Cricket: Communications between third umpire and on-field officials to be broadcast
Wednesday 12 November 2014 10:09, UK
Communications between the on-field and television umpires will be broadcast during Australia's upcoming one-day series against South Africa, which starts on Friday, live on Sky Sports.
The trial has been approved by the International Cricket Council and will allow television viewers to hear the umpires discussing referrals, consultations and DRS (Decision Review System) player reviews.
"The umpire communications can be aired during umpire referrals, consultations and DRS player reviews," the ICC said in a statement.
"This initiative is part of ICC's efforts to make umpiring more understandable to viewers and spectators."
The ICC said if the trial was successful, it may consider allowing the broadcast of umpire discussions at "select matches" during the Cricket World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand from February.
"For years viewers have enjoyed seeing the same pictures as the TV umpire and making their own decisions during a referral or review," said the ICC's general manager, Geoff Allardice.
"Now they will be even closer to the game, hearing what the umpire is saying when making those decisions."
Australia and South Africa meet in a five-match one-day series starting in Perth on Friday.
Watch Australia v South Africa live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 3.15am on Friday November 14
