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Review system staying

Cricket review system staying

03/11/2010 07:02:02 PM

The International Cricket Council's decision review system (DRS) is 'here to stay' - and may even be used in next year's World Cup.

The DRS has already given rise to its share of controversy since being introduced for Test matches last year.

It was a notable source of disenchantment at times during England's recent tour of South Africa, where the furore over third umpire Daryl Harper's decision to uphold a not-out verdict against home captain Graeme Smith after a review for caught-behind threatened to overshadow the entire match.

Yet following a meeting of the chief executives of the ICC's member nations in Dubai this week, the system - by which teams are allowed to revert on-field decisions to the TV official - was reported to have universal support.

It is also under consideration to expand the use of the DRS, currently operational in five-day cricket only, to the 50-over format.

ICC cricket general manager David Richardson conducted a two-day 'workshop' following this week's meeting, which benefited from 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 was less evident from the immediate response of England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke following the controversy which erupted around Harper in the Johannesburg Test in January.

Neither the workshop nor committee had specific remit to make recommendations on the events of the Wanderers, however.

The ICC announced two months ago it would conduct an inquiry into those matters, and others arising, and that investigation is still ongoing.

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

At issue back in January was the quality or otherwise of the audio feed available to Harper as he tried to ascertain whether Smith had edged a ball from Ryan Sidebottom on its way into Matt Prior's gloves.

Richardson explained: "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."

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

The chief executives' committee was also updated this week on the ICC's development of a more formalised 'context' for world cricket, and the likely repercussions of that for events under the future tours programme from 2012 onwards.

England is thought to be in the running to stage the 2013 Champions Trophy.

More progress towards that and other decisions, however, is likely to come at ICC meetings this winter.

Chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "I am grateful for all the hard work that the working group has carried out and I am very pleased with the progress being made."

"There is still some way to go and together with the targeted research being conducted into the promotion of cricket, I believe these two projects, working hand in hand, will provide us with interesting options in June."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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