David Bird
06-03-09, 08:58 AM
http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,6516851,00.jpg
Frustration ... umpires are losing their authority
out in the middle. AP
If the International Cricket Council had hoped the referral system would lead to less confusion and greater harmony over umpiring decisions, the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg dealt a rude shock to the ruling body.
Hesitancy among players over how to use the system, as well as uncertainty over how the technology is applied to the decision-making process, left most cold on referrals.
The most contentious referral, a successful one made by South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, showed just how much work there was to be done. Adjudged out lbw by the on-field umpire, Kallis was handed a reprieve after replays indicated ‘part’ of the ball had pitched outside leg stump.
Echoing the thoughts of Proteas captain Graeme Smith, Fox Sports cricket commentator and former Australia great Mark Waugh feels the system needs a great deal of refining.
“It’s safe to say the trial period is not going well,” Waugh told foxsports.com.au of the system, which allows each team two unsuccessful referrals per innings.
“Everyone is getting distracted with the referral and it’s taking the focus away from the actual game.
Full Story (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25145239-23212,00.html)
Frustration ... umpires are losing their authority
out in the middle. AP
If the International Cricket Council had hoped the referral system would lead to less confusion and greater harmony over umpiring decisions, the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg dealt a rude shock to the ruling body.
Hesitancy among players over how to use the system, as well as uncertainty over how the technology is applied to the decision-making process, left most cold on referrals.
The most contentious referral, a successful one made by South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, showed just how much work there was to be done. Adjudged out lbw by the on-field umpire, Kallis was handed a reprieve after replays indicated ‘part’ of the ball had pitched outside leg stump.
Echoing the thoughts of Proteas captain Graeme Smith, Fox Sports cricket commentator and former Australia great Mark Waugh feels the system needs a great deal of refining.
“It’s safe to say the trial period is not going well,” Waugh told foxsports.com.au of the system, which allows each team two unsuccessful referrals per innings.
“Everyone is getting distracted with the referral and it’s taking the focus away from the actual game.
Full Story (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25145239-23212,00.html)