Gone are the days when the umpire’s decision is the ultimate decision and it can’t be turned down in the game of Cricket.
In the past, you have seen several instances on the cricket field where a player looks not out but is given out by the on-field umpire and the player has no other choice but to walk off the field.
However, these instances rarely happen these days, all thanks to the technology that has different ways to review the decision.
Now the umpire is provided with several options to confirm their decision before giving a batter out of not-out.
You may have heard their names before and you may be curious to know how these technologies work and the difference they make.
There is no need to worry as we are going to discuss the technologies that are in use on the cricket field in this post so read it further.
Table of Contents
Hotspot
This technology has an important part in the decision-making process on the cricket field.
With the help of this technology, detecting ball impact with the bat, wickets or any other equipment used in cricket has become so easy as it provides the same with precision.
If you know Leg Before Wicket (LBW) decision in cricket, where, if a batter is found standing in front of the wicket and the ball hits their pads without touching the bat, the batter will be given out.
There are instances where a batter is given LBW out as the Umpire think they stand exactly in front of the Wickets when the ball hits their pads and that too without touching the bat.
With the help of Hotspot technology, this decision can be turned because this technology lets everyone know if there is any bat involved when the ball strikes the batter’s pads. And if the bat is involved, the on-field umpire has to turn their decision from out to not out.
Hotspot Technology brings accuracy and fairness in the sport making both the batter and bowler satisfied.
Not only accuracy and fairness, but this technology also brings competitiveness and enjoyment for fans. Online staking sites also trust this technology and award their users on its basis.
Ultra-Edge technology
This technology is somewhat similar to the Hotspot technology being used in cricket matches.
It is quite useful for TV umpires in delivering accurate decisions for sleek edges and LBW appeals.
This technology is continuously improving to ensure fairness in the game. If you think it is understandable only by technical experts, then it is not true as it is designed so that every viewer understands what happens and how the results are interpreted.
It offers clear and precise replays of crucial moments for the Umpires to conclude any decision.
Let’s understand its functioning with the help of an example.
Suppose a bowler appeals for a catch after they bowl a ball to the batter who faced it. The ball passes close to the bat and is caught behind by the wicket-keeper.
In this situation, a bowler can only appeal to convince the Umpire to give it out, and if the Umpire gives it out, then the previous Umpire’s decision was final.
However, now cricket rules allow players to review the on-field Umpire’s decision which we call DRS and we will discuss it further.
Now the batter can appeal against the Umpire’s decision and the third Umpire will use Ultra-edge technology to check if there is a contact between bat and ball. And if there is no bat-ball contact, then this review will surely be turned in the batter’s favor, which can’t happen without the Ultra Edge technology.
Decision Review System (DRS)
The decision review system is not a technology but a key aspect that has been developed to help players and make them feel that the game is played fairly.
Previously players didn’t have the option to appeal against the Umpire’s decision as the Umpire’s decision was considered final.
However, after all, Umpires, too, are humans and can make mistakes, and several decisions of theirs were later found to be wrong. This made the cricket’s main regulatory body, i.e., the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduce the Decision Review System (DRS), which allows players to review Umpire’s decision to the TV umpire.
The TV umpire will have a relook at the decision and will go through replays and use technology to ensure the decision is correct and if technology asks to change the decision, then the decision will be changed.
Ball-tracking technology
This is now helping umpires in signaling any ball being balled to be a wide ball, no ball, and dead ball if the batter asks for it or they feel like it.
The technology helps them decide whether the ball being bowled is a legal ball or the ball has to be bowled again.
Not only this technology is helping in terming a ball wide ball and no ball, but it is also helpful in LBW decisions where DRS reviews will be turned down if the impact of the ball is outside.
Camera technology
There is a huge advancement in camera technology and spider cam technology is the latest advancement that is quite helpful in giving different angle views which are just improving viewers’ experience.
The cameras used are high definition (HD) giving you minute details about what’s happening in the middle.
Online staking sites are providing live streaming of cricket matches to their users so that the bettors can view from their location what’s happening.
In conclusion, new technologies in cricket have revolutionized the sport, and bring more fairness and accuracy in decision-making.
Tools like Hotspot, Ultra-Edge, DRS, ball tracking, and advanced camera systems have not only improved umpiring but also enriched the viewing experience for fans.
These innovations ensure that the game remains competitive and transparent, giving players confidence in the decisions made on the field.
As technology continues to evolve, cricket will only become more exciting and fair, allowing both players and spectators to enjoy the sport to its fullest potential.