Referral of Cricket Umpiring Decisions

Umpire Dickie Bird is not happy with the referral system

It is no surprise that bar-room discussions about the current Australia v West Indies test match series is focused on whether the ability to refer umpire decisions to the Third Umpire should continue.

We experienced similar commentary when rugby league introduced the video referee and tennis authorities enabled players to challenege line calls. In fact, these discussions continue today after both systems have been in use for some years.

So should it continue in the cricket? Personally I think it is too early to judge the system. Of course it will need some tweaking and perhaps a decision should wait until then.

No one doubts Australian captain Ricky Ponting stupidly used his two opportunities to refer decisions early in the West Indies second innings during the Adelaide test match. He had to suck it up when later in the innings what looked like a certain LBW dismissal was given not-out and he was unable to challenege it.

What do you think about the system? Should it stay or should it go?

England’s favourite umpire Dicky Bird is not a fan of the referral system. “I would never have brought them in,” Bird was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph Monday. “They are taking the authority away from the on-field umpires and the whole thing is causing more problems than it`s worth. In the old days, controversial decisions became talking points in the bars and clubs but everybody respected the umpire`s authority,”said Dicky Bird.

I think the use of the hawk-eye, hot-spot and ’snicko’ technology is terrific and will help get decisions correct, surely something all the players, umpires and fans want. However, I don’t think it will be popular until the players learn when to use it and when not to.