By IANS,
Dubai : The tried and tested new umpires review system will come into effect with the first cricket Test between New Zealand and Pakistan starting in Dunedin from Wednesday.
The umpires review system, which is known as Decision Review System (DRS), will also be used for the Australia-West Indies Test series starting in Brisbane from Thursday.
The DRS has received a thumbs-up from all players and umpires and also had the support of nine of the 10 full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“DRS is good for umpires and good for the game,” says Umpire of the Year Aleem Dar.
ICC General Manager – cricket Dave Richardson said: “We are excited about the introduction of this ground-breaking system. With the improvement of technology, umpires’ mistakes are exposed and scrutinised like never before. This system will help alleviate the problems created when mistakes – which appear obvious on replays – are made.”
“The system allows television technology to be used in a way that will not result in too many delays, will not de-skill the umpires and will take some pressure off the umpires. The fact is that trials showed that the system improved player behaviour and led to a significant reduction in the number of umpiring errors,” he added.
In his report to the ICC after the trials, Billy Bowden from the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires was glowing in his praise for the DRS.
“Personally, having the DRS trial was the best thing since sliced bread,” said Bowden.
“From an umpires’ point of view I embraced it, lived it and loved it. The effect was all positive for me but I wasn’t surprised one iota. Why? Well, it gave me confidence to make good, strong umpiring decisions and I did not fall in to the trap of relying on the DRS to bail me out. I felt in control, relaxed and happy umpiring in the Tests every day.
“I had two decisions reversed in my two Tests. I didn’t lose confidence but instead felt good that the right decision was made. It also gave me strength to get back in the zone again and concentrate on the next ball knowing I wouldn’t be criticised in the papers the next day,” he said.