The ManicaPost
On the point with Aubrey Kamba
IN my last article, I mentioned that I would have a one-on-one with Donald Tiripano, another local lad who is representing the province and the nation at large in the Zimbabwe cricket national side.
As I write this column, the national A side is playing against Pakistan A side in unofficial ODI matches so I was not able to get hold of Tiripano in time to have a one-on-one.
The interview will come though. So to have a week without the column will be an injustice to the avid followers of this column and readers of this great weekly newspaper. This week I will look at what is called the THIRD UMPIRE DIRECT REVIEW SYSTEM.
Cricket unlike our lovely sport hwishu has three umpires, two on the field and the third one off the field and known as the TV umpire because he is the one who looks at referrals from the field and looks at the action on replay from the TV to make a decision on one being out or still in the game. The Decision Review System (DRS) should be used in all matches, but because some grounds do not have the technology this umpire isn’t utilised.
The process for the referral by the on-field umpires of a decision to the third umpire and/or the consultation process (between the on-field umpire(s) and the third umpire) initiated by the on-field umpire(s) is known as an “Umpire Review”; and this process is initiated by the players for the review of an on-field umpire’s decision (by means of a consultation between the on-field umpire(s) and the third umpire) and which has been termed in these playing conditions as the “Player Review”.
The on-field umpire used to have the discretion on whether to refer the decision to the third umpire or, to consult with the third umpire before making the decision and should take a common sense approach but there are reviews given to teams depending on format Test cricket has two per team and ODI has one per team. So the captain or batsman can ask for a review of the on field umpire. The third umpire shall call for as many replays from any camera angle as is necessary to reach a decision. As a guide, a decision should be made within 30 seconds whenever possible, but the third umpire shall have the discretion to take more time.
On Run Out, Stumping and Hit Wicket Decisions: The on-field umpire shall be entitled to refer an appeal for a run-out, stumping or hit wicket to the third umpire. An on-field umpire wishing to refer a decision to the third umpire shall signal to the third umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his hands. In the case of a referral of a hit wicket or stumping decision, the third umpire shall first check the fairness of the delivery (fair delivery – the feet or full toss above waist height). If the delivery was not a fair delivery he shall indicate that the batsman is not out and advise the on-field umpire to signal no ball. If the third umpire decides the batsman is out a red light is displayed; a green light means not-out. Should the third umpire be temporarily unable to respond, a white light (where available) will remain illuminated throughout the period of interruption to signify to the on field umpires that the TV replay system is temporarily unavailable, in which case the decision will be taken by the on-field umpire. (As an alternative to the red/green light system and where available, the big replay screen may be used for the purpose of conveying the third umpire’s decision.)
In the event of an appeal for a caught decision: Should the bowler’s end umpire be unable to decide whether or not a catch was taken cleanly, he shall first consult with the square leg umpire. If both on-field umpires be unable to make a decision, they may consult by two way radio with the third umpire. Following such consultation, the final decision will be made and given by the bowler’s end umpire, who will take into account the on-field umpires? initial views and any other advice received from the third umpire.
These are just the basics of DRS. the process goes as follows though:
- Umpire gives a decision.
- Player feels Umpire is wrong.
- Player reviews the decision [Batsmen or Captain of the Fielding team].
- If Umpire is wrong, decision is overturned or else the decision stands.
- To save time, there is a limit on number of incorrect reviews
I want to thank John for your feedback and Loraine who felt that there is little that is said about female cricket in this country so in a few weeks from now I would have gathered my information on the female players we have in the province and the country. It always a pleasure to receive feedback. Keep reading and please send in your feedback, my contacts are at the bottom of the column. God bless you all and God bless Zimbabwe
For feedback contact: 0778712404 or [email protected]
