We live in a time when technology is used in every aspect of our lives. Technology has become an integral part of our day-to-day life, and for many of us, it is even difficult to go through the day without relying on modern technology.  Technology is often precise and accurate, and in recent times, many sports have adopted technology. Sports like soccer, which persistently did not use technology for a very long time, adopted it in the World Cup to a certain degree.   Many of us agree that Hawk-Eye, which is used to visually track the ball's trajectory, works really well in tennis. So, why has the same technology, when used in cricket, led to much criticism?  Unlike tennis, soccer, and several other sports, cricket has several rules. Most of these rules are monitored by only one umpire at a time. Umpires are humans, and even the elite umpires are bound to make mistakes.  About the Author: Chandra Munagavalasa is an avid admirer of cricket.

He lives in Houston, Texas, and enjoys watching all forms of cricket, especially Test matches. Considering the average fast bowlers bowl at a speed above 145 km/h on a 20-meter cricket pitch, in real time, the ball takes less than half a second to travel to the batsman.

 

Modern technology has had a positive effect on the game of cricket for the players and the supporters. Revolutionary advances in modern technology have lessened umpire errors. Supporters watching on the ground and at home have access to in-depth analysis and graphics on the scoreboards, giant screens, and their television sets.   The third umpire, stump-cam, stump microphone, ball-tracking, the Decision Review System (DRS), Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge, Hot Spot, the Snickometer, LED stumps and bails, and player reviews are some of the modern technologies that have been introduced to the sport of cricket in the last few decades. SportsBoom looks back at how modern technology has affected cricket.

Cricket has always relied on the subjective judgments of the two on-field umpires standing in the middle. Modern technology has brought about fewer on-field errors from the umpires, leading to more correct decisions. Moreover, technology has reduced the pressure on the men in the middle. Modern technology in cricket is multifaceted. Both players, coaches, umpires, and supporters have all benefited from advancements in technology, especially in the twenty-first century.   Some of the best innovations in the game of cricket have been the Third Umpire, eliminating guesswork on run outs and stumpings. The replays of catches being conclusive are still a long way away. However, there are a few instances of poor umpiring calls being upheld thanks to the television replays. Haw-Eye, the Decision Review System (DRS), UltraEdge, Snickometer (Snicko), and Hot Spot have all but eliminated wrong on-field decisions regarding LBW (Leg Before Wicket), and feint edges not heard or seen by the umpires.

The Decision Review System uses Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge, Hot Spot, and Snickometer (to detect faint edges). UltraEdge is used by the Third Umpire to detect if a batsman has edged the ball or if the ball has made contact with the bat, pads, gloves, or any part of the player’s body. UltraEdge is the latest version of Snickometer, which detects the sound of faint edges.

The Third Umpire - also known as the TV Umpire - is an off-field umpire used in international, franchise, and provincial cricket matches. This concept was introduced during the historical Test series between South Africa and India in 1992. The Third Umpire’s role is to make the final decision regarding dismissals and boundaries. The success of the television replay system to make accurate calls for dismissals, fours, and sixes forever changed cricket, bringing the sport into the new century.   DECISION REVIEW SYSTEM (DRS) TECHNOLOGY The Decision Review System uses Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge, Hot Spot, and Snickometer (to detect faint edges). UltraEdge is used by the Third Umpire to detect if a batsman has edged the ball or if the ball has made contact with the bat, pads, gloves, or any part of the player’s body.

UltraEdge is the latest version of Snickometer, which detects the sound of faint edges.    Snicko Meter in Cricket  HAWK-EYE TECHNOLOGY Hawk-Eye Technology was first introduced by Channel 4 during the England and Pakistan Test series in 2001. Like in tennis, Hawk-Eye employs multiple and varied camera angles and computer algorithms to track the trajectory of the ball. LBW is the most subjective call in all of sports.

Even the best umpires make wrong decisions. In a split second, umpires must watch the bowler’s front foot for no balls before deciding the fate of a batsman when an LBW appeal occurs.   Umpires generally made the correct calls, but too many howlers angered the players and supporters. The Hawk-Eye system relays real-time ball-tracking data. It predicts the flight path of the ball after pitching on the wicket and checks to see if the ball pitched in line with the stumps to assist the umpires in making accurate decisions regarding appeals for LBW.

Hawk-Eye Technology was first introduced by Channel 4 during the England and Pakistan Test series in 2001. Like in tennis, Hawk-Eye employs multiple and varied camera angles and computer algorithms to track the trajectory of the ball. LBW is the most subjective call in all of sports. Even the best umpires make wrong decisions. In a split second, umpires must watch the bowler’s front foot for no balls before deciding the fate of a batsman when an LBW appeal occurs.   Umpires generally made the correct calls, but too many howlers angered the players and supporters. The Hawk-Eye system relays real-time ball-tracking data. It predicts the flight path of the ball after pitching on the wicket and checks to see if the ball pitched in line with the stumps to assist the umpires in making accurate decisions regarding appeals for LBW.

Hot Spot made its debut in the 2006/07 Ashes series. Hot Spot is an infrared image tracking technology used to determine if the ball has struck the batsman, the bat, pad, or body. It was first developed for the military but has since been incorporated to good effect in cricket. Hot Spot incorporates infrared cameras around the ground. The cameras measure heat and friction after ball contact with the batsman or his equipment. The technology uses black-and-white images to locate the ball’s contact.

Player referrals were introduced in 2008. Players can challenge on-field decisions if they feel the umpire’s call is wrong. Each team has a limited number of referrals for each format, and the players need to use them wisely. The player review system has reduced controversies and taken a lot of pressure off the umpires. However, players often waste reviews for various reasons

The umpire review system uses television replays to correct wrong decisions and to make the correct calls. The Third Umpire uses TV for dismissals such as run outs, stumpings, catches, obstructing the field, and no balls. The umpires request confirmation for the awarding of boundaries.

Professional cricket is an elite sport. Cricketers are athletes, and technological advancements have helped with player performance. Cricket teams use advanced analytics and wearable technology to monitor player performance. Coaches, doctors, and physiotherapists use metrics for speed, distance covered, heart rate, and biomechanical data.   This information allows the backroom staff to tailor training programs for each individual player. Teams can optimise player health and well-being by using information strategies to lessen the risk of injuries and burnout. Technologies regarding food and hydration have positively impacted the sport and improved player performance.   Gone are the days of curries and beer at lunch; it’s salads, pastas, and drinks fuelled with electrolytes for optimal output tailored for each individual player. Technological advances will continue to improve cricket. If only something could be done about the rain.

Like many other sports, cricket embraced technology for all the right reasons - to correct human errors. Since the technology for cricket is not completely foolproof, it should be used as an aid in making decisions rather than completely banking on it.  The future technological advances may tell us a completely different tale. As of today’s technology, as long as the technology is used as an aid, it will definitely benefit the cricket game.  The third umpire should be allowed to use the technology as an aid and make the decisions primarily relying on their knowledge and experience.