The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that it will conduct a trial during the forthcoming One-Day International series between Australia and South Africa whereby communications between the on-field and TV umpire during decision-making will be available to the host broadcaster, the Nine Network, to put to air.
The umpire communications can be aired during umpire referrals, consultations and DRS player reviews.
This initiative is part of ICC’s efforts to make umpiring more understandable to viewers and spectators. If the trial is successful, then the ICC may consider extending this to select matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Geoff Allardice, ICC – General Manager – Cricket, said: “For years viewers have enjoyed seeing the same pictures as the TV umpire and making their own decisions during a referral or review. Now they will be even closer to the game, hearing what the umpire is saying when making those decisions.”