ICC to put umpire communications to air during Aus-SA ODIs

The International Cricket Council confirmed on Wednesday that it will conduct a trial during the forthcoming One-Day International series between Australia and South Africa whereby communication between the on-field and television 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.”

Australia and New Zealand will co-host the 50-over World Cup from February 14 to March 29.