Richardson backs referrals system

David Richardson keeping wicket for South Africa in the early post-isolation years

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David Richardson believes the ICC’s new umpire decision review system will result in more correct decisions at the top level.

The upcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and India will see the fielding and batting sides each allowed three unsuccessful appeals to the umpire per innings to change a decision if it is perceived to have been incorrect.

These appeals can only be made by the batsman affected by the original decision, or by the captain of the fielding side.

They will signify their wish to challenge a decision by making a ‘T-sign’ with both forearms at shoulder height.

Richardson, acting ICC chief executive, said: “The fact that each side is allowed only three unsuccessful requests to review in each innings should mean that players will not make frivolous challenges.

“Instead, they will only seek a referral to decisions that, it is quickly clear, are highly likely to be incorrect.

“By seeking to reduce these potentially contentious decisions we believe we can help remove a source of tension and frustration among players and spectators as well as any resultant pressure on umpires.

“At the same time we have sought to ensure the continued primacy of the on-field umpire.

“The man on the field’s role is to consult with his colleague, not to refer the decision away, and he still decides whether or not to change his original decision."

When the appeal is lodged, the on-field umpire will consult with the third umpire, who will review available television coverage of the incident before relaying his opinion back to his colleague.

The on-field umpire will then deliver his decision either by raising his finger to indicate “out” or by crossing his hands in a horizontal position side to side in front and above his waist three times – as per a “safe” decision by an official in baseball.

Richardson, South Africa's first wicketkeeper after sporting isolation, added: “Once the series is over we will conduct a thorough review of the process before deciding whether the trial was successful and worth persevering with.

“The ICC is extremely grateful to both Sri Lanka and India for agreeing to take part in this trial.

Mahela Jayawardene is one of two captains with the responsibility of trialing the referral system

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“Our Emirates Elite and International Panel umpires already ensure the vast majority of decisions made in any Test or ODI are correct.

“But we want to see if we can enhance the game further by reducing or removing the few clearly incorrect ones.”

The trial was also welcomed by Duleep Mendis, former captain of Sri Lanka and hosting officer for the home team in the forthcoming series with India.

“I think this is a very good idea,” said Mendis.

“As a past player we used to say that good and bad decisions would even themselves out but times have changed, the stakes are much higher now for all concerned and if the technology is available then why not use it?

“It may be new to the players but I am sure they will be very positive.

“There are always going to be question marks when a new thing is trialed but no one likes to see anyone get an incorrect decision and if this can help reduce that then why not give it a try?”

Slow-motion replays, the wicket-to-wicket “mat”, sound from stump microphones and ball-tracking technology up to the point of impact on the pad will be available for use by the television umpire.

Snick-detecting devices and “hot-spot” technology will not be used in this trial.

Detailed playing conditions explaining the process for players and officials involved in the review system will be released in due course.

The three-Test series between Sri Lanka and India begins with the first Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, starting on July 23.

The second Test, at Galle, begins on July 31, and the third and final match of the series takes place at the R Premadasa Stadium, also in Colombo, from August 8.

The umpires for the Test and ODI series will be announced in due course, while the two captains who are expected to be at the forefront of the experiment are Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka, and India Test skipper Anil Kumble.