Cricket, like every other sport, is a game of small margins. As the umpires are the one given the power to make decisions on the field, there is always a scope of human error.
To solve this purpose, cricket has embraced the use of technology in many ways, reducing the chances of a wrong call by the on-field umpire.
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Players are also given opportunities to challenge the on-field umpire's decision. This can be be done via reviews, which enables a player to send the on-field umpire's decision upstairs to the third umpire, who then checks if the right call was made.
The leg before wicket (LBW) is one of the more contentious umpiring decisions in the game and has sparked many a debate over the years. The technology used for it is not foolproof either and has affected matches at crucial junctures at the ongoing World Cup.
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In the Pakistan versus South Africa World Cup 2023 match, Tabraiz Shamsi received the advantage of the rule. He was declared not-out by the on-field umpire on an LBW appeal. The ball-tracking showed that wickets would only clip the leg-stump, favouring the on-field decision. Shamsi's was the last wicket left as South Africa just about got over the finish line while chasing a target of 271.
As the World Cup heads to a conclusion on Sunday, TSN takes a closer look at the umpire's call in DRS, which has sparked many a debate:
What is umpire's call in DRS? How does it affect LBW dismissals?
In the Decision Review System (DRS), 'umpire's call' refers to a situation where the on-field umpire's original decision stands if the ball-tracking technology indicates the ball's impact with the batter or the ball hitting the stumps is within a certain margin of error. It adds an element of umpire's judgment to maintain the balance between technology and on-field decisions.
When the ball-tracking technology is inconclusive or falls within the designated margin, the on-field umpire's original decision is retained.
This is often the case with close LBW decisions where the trajectory of the ball is crucial. The concept of 'umpire's call' is aimed at preserving the umpire's authority while also incorporating the benefits of technology in the review process.
What does the ICC rulebook say about umpire's call in DRS?
Rule 5.10 in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 handbook defines it as:
"Umpire’s Call is the concept within the DRS under which the on-field decision of the bowler’s end umpire shall stand, which shall apply under the specific circumstances set out in paragraphs 3.4.5 and 3.4.6 of Appendix D, where the ball-tracking technology indicates a marginal decision in respect of either the Impact Zone or the Wicket Zone."
The Impact Zone is defined as a three dimensional space extending between both wickets to an indefinite height and with its boundaries consisting of a line between the outside of the outer stumps at each end.
The Wicket Zone is defined as a two dimensional area whose
boundaries are the outside of the outer stumps, the base of the stumps and the top of the stumps.
Once the footage is reviewed, the TV umpire may give the three following decisions: Hitting (the wickets), Umpire's call or Missing (the wicket). The review comes up as umpire's call for the following circumstances:
- Some part of the ball was inside the Impact Zone, but the centre of the ball was outside the Impact Zone, with the further sub-category of ‘Umpire’s Call (off side)’ where the centre of the ball was to the off side of the Impact Zone and the bowler’s end umpire communicates to the third umpire that no genuine attempt to play the ball was made by the batter.
- The ball was hitting the wicket, but the centre of the ball was not inside the Wicket Zone
Why is umpire's call controversial?
As it also increases the confusion in the whole LBW concept, making it difficult for everyone to understand, various renowned cricketing personalities have asked the ICC to remove it from the ball-tracking.
Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also advocated against the umpire's call, expressing his displeasure over its use.
"Somebody is unhappy with the onfield decision and that is the only reason they have gone upstairs to the third umpire and when that happens, let the technology take over. Just like in tennis, it's either in or out, there is nothing in between. Once you have decided to use technology, then you rely on it," Tendulkar had tweeted.
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Why is Umpire's call important?
Doing an explainer on Sky Sports, former England captain opined on the benefit of umpire's call, stating that the ball-tracking is based on a prediction model and one cannot completely rely on it.
Nasser Hussain on how umpires call work https://t.co/dsk0s6Fd68 pic.twitter.com/FidNpJgrEm
— Chaitanya (@chaitu_20_) October 27, 2023
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