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Players divided over referral system

V. Balaji

The curiosity that surrounded the umpire referral system at the start of the Test series was to be expected. The scheme came into being without much warning. It took a longer time for the governors of the game to implement the third umpire. The idea was mooted in 1985 and it saw the light of day in 1992 while the referral was put into practice swiftly. It came as no surprise that the system was rushed.

Players have used the referral to consult largely on LBW decisions and players, both past and present, remain divided on the topic. The accuracy of the camera and the referral umpire going by information provided by computer-generated graphics are debated. Dave Richardson, ICC’s general manager of cricket, had said the predictive element is not shown to the umpire as that itself is only a guess. But with the impact on pitching marked on the screen it will be difficult for the umpire not to get encouraged by the visuals provided in that particular format. When Karl Liebenberg pressed the red button to signal Sachin Tendulkar run out way back in 1992 he said he felt like the hangman, luckily the referral umpire is saved from that guilt as he only passes his thoughts and that is one area where the ICC has got it right. The time taken by the umpire to arrive at the decision is painfully long, which is an area that has to be addressed immediately.

The two captains who will be a part of the review process later during the season, coach of the Sri Lankan team and members of the commentary team that covered the three-Test series shared their thoughts with this paper at the end of the third Test in Colombo.

Anil Kumble

It is too early to say anything. Few things have to be assessed and that’s for sure. Teething problems with technology are there and that is the area where we will have to sit down and discuss. It is not 100 per cent correct and that has been made certain. And limiting it only to particular decisions will only help players start picking what they want. We will have to see whether the ball tracking is 100 per cent and whether it picks the height factor correctly. I am sure people will sit down and discuss the problems.

Mahela Jayawardene

The referrals probably played a hand in reducing all the matches to four days. Both teams also had really good bowlers. The referral did help. I still believe we were disappointed with a few decisions. It’s just an experiment. I’m sure there will be improvements. A lot of ideas will come up and LBW will have to go to the TV umpire if there is any doubt. The bowlers are getting a few more decisions going their way and that brings in the balance.

Tony Greig

The umpires have received a fair bit of stick with television scrutinising every decision, so if technology helps to find a solution and eradicate those mistakes, it is great. It is still early days to pass firm judgement on whether going for LBWs is right or not. It obviously needs some finetuning. Even underarm bowling was permitted once, we have to move along and this is a step in the right direction.

Ranjit Fernando

In respect to LBWs, what the field umpire asks the TV partner is very important. Even showing where the ball pitched and the impact should be taken away. That could also be something that influences the decision. The referral is a good innovation, but there are a few gray areas that have to be worked on. What inputs the umpire takes from his TV colleague is very important.

Ian Bishop

As far as LBWs are concerned, I would still like the call to be taken by the field umpire as he is in the best position. The accuracy of the camera is still in question. It can wobble a bit and so the mat can be presented differently. If an accurate prediction can be promised I am all for technology. As a bowler I would vote for LBWs to go the referral as it increases the chances for a bowler and it can help reduce complaints. I don’t think any bowler would object to this.

Trevor Bayliss

I don’t see why a referral should not be made for leg before decisions. Everyone says the game is a batsman’s game. The review system might be a little bit of a comeback for the bowlers. There will be more outs than not outs. All the bowlers should be pretty happy that the review system is in place.