How have Advances in Technology Affected Cricket?
From stump-cam, the third umpire, and Hawk-Eye, modern technology has a significant effect on the game of cricket. SportsBoom explores the positive technological advances that have affected cricket.
Investec Ashes Test between England and Australia//Getty Images
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 in 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, 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.
The Evolution of Advancements of Technology in Modern Cricket
Cricket has always relied on the subjective judgments of the two on-field umpires standing in the middle. Modern technology has brough 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 guess work on run outs and stumpings. The replays of catches being conclusive is still a long way away. However, there are 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.
Image Credits: ESPN Cric Info
Third Umpire
The Third Umpire - also known as the TV Umpire - is an off-field umpire used 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 to 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 feint 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 made 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 Technology
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.
Virat Kohli with DRS Sign
Player Review System
Player referrals were introduced in 2008. Players can challenge on-field decisions if they feel the umpire’s call to be 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
Umpire Review System
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.
Player Performance Analysis and Technologies
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 has impacted the sport in a positive way, 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.
LED Stumps and Bails
LED stumps and bails replaced the traditional wooden stumps and bails in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This is another exciting technological innovation in cricket. Although the stumps and bails are costly, the LED wickets light up when the bails are dislodged. This creates a spectacle for the fans when a wicket is taken.
Kaylan Geekie is a sports fanatic. He attended Durban High School before moving to Scotland, where he lived for 15 years. During his time in the United Kingdom, Kaylan graduated with a first-class BA Honours Degree in Sports Journalism at the University of the West of Scotland. Kaylan worked for nine years as the Match-Day Editor of SuperXV.com, reporting on Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship, the 2015 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2017 British & Irish Lions series for the website.