APRIL 2012

The Ball
D R E A M S D O N

D I E

The Only Way is Up: A Solution to the Third-Umpire Crisis The Aerial Umpire: The full report from 1998
By Simon Lewis (originally published in July 2005)

SPECIAL EDITION

THE AERIAL
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UMPIRE

A SOLUTION TO THE THIRD-UMPIRE CRISIS ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE

THE ONLY WAY IS UP A solution to the third-umpire crisis

The Third Umpire system has gone a long way to changing the face of cricket and ensuring more consistent umpiring decisions. This is a good thing, given the level of television coverage that highlights mistakes by the onfield umpires. But it is still not enough. Its time we pushed our cricketing frontiers a little further westwards.
BY SIMON LEWIS (ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 2000)

lons or underneath a miniature hot air balloon. Technology will find a way. In addition, the side view should be used by the Third Umpire to verify that the balls path does not indicate that the ball might pass over the top of the stumps for leg-before appeals. Alternatively, the square leg umpire could confirm this to his fellow umpire - a backup system that could easily be extended to cricket at all levels. Critics might point out that additional angles will further add to

It should be so simple. We have the technology. We have the cameras. And yet still we have umpiring controversies. We simply must get it right. Caught-behind and leg-before wicket remain an untapped area of opportunity for the Third Umpire, which the current camera coverage cant provide sufficiently revealing replay footage to adjudicate on accurately.

the delays of waiting for a decision, but if there were two or even three Third Umpires constantly reviewing video footage they would be able to take advantage of these extra angles. This would be a large extra cost, but the costs could be picked up by the broadcasters and their sponsors, and perhaps even the players could chip in to subsidise a portion of the costs after all, they stand to gain the most from consistently accurate umpire decisions. No-balls and wides could also be accurately picked up with the use

There is only one solution. And the only way is up. A camera suspended over the pitch (an Aerial Umpire), erected temporarily for big matches which receive major television coverage, will provide a whole new range of views and angles which the Third Umpires will be able to access to provide a better quality of decision-making on a highly consistent level. This camera could be attached by cords to the grandstands, sightscreens, floodlight py-

of an onscreen grid or lines on the umpires replay monitors. These would effectively draw the line for no-balls, wides and run outs, thus ensuring greater accuracy, especially with the chance to review the action two to three times before the bowler bowls the next ball. These umpires would work autonomously to the onfield umpires - in other words, there should be no referrals. The onfield umpires would adjudicate to the fullest, trusting their own judgement to make correct calls as they see it, without worrying about making a

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mistake. Any mistakes that can be picked up by the Third Umpires will be radioed in to the relevant umpire to change his decision. The Third Umpire will need to do so before the next ball is bowled, thus preventing time wastage. If they cant prove that a decision was incorrect in the allotted time then the onfield umpires decision will stand and play will continue. When a wicket falls or an appeal is made the Third Umpire should be able to request extra time to check more carefully before adjudicating on this more crucial decision. When a batsman is given out the Third Umpire would have until the batsman leaves the field to overrule the decision. The Third Umpires task would be to quickly review TV replays, using the extra overhead cameras and existing angles, to see if a glaring error was made. We cannot achieve 100% accurate decisions with all decisions, but we could eliminate any glaring errors that would be picked up by the TV cameras, as well as providing a better judgement on LBW through the use of the overhead camera. If replays dont provide conclusive proof then the onfield umpires original decision would stand, which thus reaffirms his role as an adjudicator and not just a middle-man between the players and an umpire in a TV booth.

Having two to three Third Umpires would also ensure that no human errors are allowed by one mans misjudgement. The Third Umpire is still making some shocking errors, even after repeatedly viewing clear footage, and is still under enormous pressure because his role is seen as being easier than that of the onfield umpire. The two or three Third Umpires would need to all view the relevant replay footage for dismissals and then agree on a decision. If they cant agree without doubt that the onfield umpire erred then there is clearly further doubt, and the onfield umpires decision would stand. This further allows the onfield umpires to retain their decision-making power, with the assurance that the Third Umpires have a better view and the chance to review the play to eradicate possible errors. Everyone benefits, and cricket is the winner. To further speed up the process, the Third Umpires replays need to be separate to those seen by TV viewers, the latter showing more of the action for entertainment value. Third Umpires need their replay feeds to be focussed in to the critical moment of action and replayed back and forth quickly. The most telling piece of footage could then be highlighted for viewers once the decision has been made. The umpires would also be viewing as a matter of course the no-ball

Cricket can only be the better for such a system, and the Aerial Umpire could be extended to all sports for added visual appeal as well as for decision-making, notably rugby (forward passes, off-sides, conversions) and football (off-sides).

line, and informing the umpire after every delivery if a no-ball was bowled but not called. Many batsmen are given out off no-balls, as these are not always easy for the onfield umpire to call correctly due to the bowlers position on the crease and the angle from which

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the umpire is watching the crease. The Third Umpires will watch every delivery for a no-ball, but when a wicket falls they will specifically double-check to ensure that the ball was legitimate. This is essential for fair play and correct decisions. If a no-ball is called by the onfield umpire but is found, on review, to have been a fair delivery, then the no-ball will be overruled, with no extra runs or balls being awarded. If the batsman goes out on an incorrect no-ball call by the onfield umpire he will be given not out as he might have been disturbed or changed his shot on the basis of the call. A further innovation could be to rotate the Third Umpires with the onfield umpires. The Third Umpire will be severely tested with constant replays and would welcome a break out in the middle. It would also prevent the onfield umpire feeling powerless due to the Third Umpires ability to overrule him, as the onfield umpire would periodically also have the power to do the overruling when he moves to the Third Umpires seat. Further, their original decisions would remain in the event of the Third Umpires not unanimously agreeing to overrule a decision. If anything, the onfield umpires powers and credibility would be strengthened under such a system. Critics might argue that there will be a lack of consistency when compared to non-televised or less comprehensively televised games. My response is that the issue of controversy crops up most during televised matches that allow players and spectators to pick up on umpiring errors. Its a case of horses for courses.

The Aerial Umpire would be an incredible assistance for run outs as it will provide a far superior view of the bat crossing the line and the stumps being broken. The keeper would almost never obscure the view from an aerial camera, as happens with side views, and the moment at which the bails are lifted would be totally clear. The Aerial Umpire would also improve caught-behind decisions, as the Third Umpires would more clearly be able to see the exact point of deviation (especially in cases where the ball brushes the batsmans shoulder, which, from the front, looks like an edge off the bat) as well as fine edges. From above you will clearly see if there is any deviation as well as the exact point it occurred in the balls flight path. From the front or from rear views the batsmans bat obscures your vision of any deviation as it passes across the balls path. The Aerial Umpire would revolutionise LBW decisions, as well as casting a whole new level of understanding of LBW and the balls flight path. This in turn would greatly educate and inform umpires at all levels, empowering them to adapt this new knowledge to umpiring at first-class, club and school level. Using a grid or line system indicating clearly the line from stump to stump will eradicate any undesirable guesswork from the Third Umpire as to the line the ball pitched and the exact line it struck the pads. We will also be able to clearly see the line of the ball and be in a better position to judge its likely path after it struck the pads. The aerial view will give an idea of the amount of swing and, based on the flight path from the bowlers hand to the pad (a longer distance than from pad

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to stumps), we could more accurately predict if the ball would have held its line to hit the stumps. We might even find that balls pitching on off and striking the batsman in line of leg stump might be worthy of an LBW dismissal after all. We will not know until we start viewing decisions from above. Until then LBW will always remain a mystery and accurate decisions will never be possible. It would clearly eliminate a large area of doubt, speculation and guesswork which has arisen from decades of a one-dimensional view, that of judging LBW purely from a frontal perspective. The aerial view remains the only frontier yet to be fully explored in televised sport, and it could be one of the most dramatic, not to mention facilitating a massive paradigm shift in understanding LBW, off-sides, forward passes and so on. It would also provide a more awe-inspiring view of the action and the players position on the field: think of a slip cordon standing way back to a fast bowler; fielding positions and the gaps in the field clear for all to see; offensive and defensive moves in rugby and football; court coverage in tennis. Pick a sport! This will happen one day I have no doubt. But why wait when its possible now, and can only benefit sportsmen, officials and spectators alike.

The Third Umpire

It should be so simple. We have the technology. We have the cameras. And yet still umpiring controversies persist, even with the extension in responsibilities of the present Third Umpire.

By Simon Lewis While I yearn for the days of cricket whites and no advertising billboards, I am realistic enough to realise that, failing the intervention of an anti-Kerry Packer billionaire, those days are gone. We have the pictures and TV footage to remind us of those simple days, but we are left with the reality of highly-intrusive television coverage and blockbuster TV replays which show everyone what the correct decision should be. This will not change. And in the highly-professional cricketing world incorrect decisions can no longer be a part of the equation. We simply must get it right. The effect on players livelihoods and the outcome of major events deserve correct and fair decisions; its not asking too much, given the available technology. And for the umpires it will provide relief from unnecessarily being at the centre of controversy as well as allowing them a greater hand in ensuring that correct decisions are made. Can you imagine spending five to 10 years earning a Test call-up and then being dismissed twice for low scores when TV replays show the debutant should not have been given out on either occasion? Selectors, although acknowledging that incorrect decisions occur, are less likely to accord a player the relevant future opportu-

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nities on that basis, remaining loyal instead to runs in the book. We have side views, stump views and super slow-mos. They are perfect for many decisions, and yet caught-behind and leg-before wicket remain an untapped area of opportunity for the Third Umpire, which the current camera coverage cant provide sufficiently revealing replay footage to adjudicate on accurately. There is only one solution. And the only way is up. By having a camera suspended over the pitch, erected temporarily for big matches which are receiving major television coverage, we will be provided with a whole new range of views and angles which the Third Umpires will be able to access to provide a better quality of decision on a highly consistent level. This camera could be attached by four wire cords to the grandstands, floodlight pylons or underneath a miniature hot air balloon. In addition, the side view should be used by the Third Umpire to verify that the balls path does not indicate that the ball might pass over the top of the stumps. Alternatively, the square leg umpire could confirm this to his fellow umpire for leg-before appeals, a backup system which could easily be extended to cricket at all levels. Critics might point out that additional angles will further add to the delays of waiting for a decision, but if there were two or even three Third Umpires constantly reviewing video footage they would be able to take advantage of these extra angles. No-balls and wides could also be accurately picked up, especially with the use of an

onscreen grid or lines on the umpires replay monitors to effectively draw the line for no-balls, wides and run outs, thus ensuring greater accuracy, especially with the chance to review the action two to three times before the bowler bowls the next ball. These umpires should work autonomously to the onfield umpires - in other words, there should be no referrals. This will allow the onfield umpires to adjudicate to the fullest, trusting their own judgement to make correct calls as they see it, without worrying about the possibility of making a mistake. Any mistakes by the onfield umpire which can be picked up by the Third Umpires will be radioed in to the relevant onfield umpire so that he can change his decision. The Third Umpire will need to do so before the next ball is bowled, thus preventing time wastage. If they cant prove that the onfield umpire was incorrect in the allotted time then the onfield umpires decision will stand and the play will continue. Obviously, when a wicket falls or an appeal is made the Third Umpire should be able to request a specified delay to check more carefully before adjudicating on this more crucial decision. This delay would need to be time-regulated beforehand and the time limit adhered to. When a batsman is given out by the onfield umpire the Third Umpire would have until the batsman leaves the field to make his decision. Once the batsman has left the field of play the decision can not be reversed. The Third Umpire could request extra time to review replays, thus keeping the dismissed batsman on the field of play for an extra 20-30 seconds, although this would be on rare occasions as the Third Umpires task would be to quickly review TV

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replays, using the extra overhead cameras and existing angles, and if they can pick up a glaring error, as would TV viewers, then they will overrule the decision. This should not be seen as an attempt to gain 100% accurate decisions (which is not possible with some decisions), but rather to eliminate any glaring errors which would be picked up by the TV cameras, as well as providing a better judgement on LBW through the use of the overhead camera, or Aerial Umpire. This will guard against human error, which is understandable when an umpire has to adjudicate on a split-second of frantic action, as well as ensuring fairness and consistency for players and spectators who have access to TV replays. Any inconsistencies which they can pick up on TV replay can not be allowed to be passed by the umpires. And if replays dont provide conclusive proof then we will rely on the onfield umpires original decision, which thus reaffirms his role as an adjudicator and not just a middle-man between the players and an umpire in a TV booth. Cricket can only be the better for such a system. Having two to three Third Umpires would also ensure that no human errors are allowed by one mans misjudgement. The Third Umpire is still making some shocking errors, even after repeatedly viewing clear footage. Although he has a far easier task than the onfield umpires, the Third Umpire is still under enormous pressure not to make an incorrect decision, especially as TV viewers have the chance to watch the replays with him, thus forming their own decisions at the same time as he is making a binding decision. For major

decisions all two or three Third Umpires would need to quickly view all the relevant replay footage and then agree on a decision. If they cant agree without doubt that the onfield umpire erred then there is clearly further doubt, and the onfield umpires decision would stand. This further allows the onfield umpires to retain their decision-making power, with the knowledge that the Third Umpires have a better view than him as well as the chance to review the action to eradicate any possible errors. Everyone benefits, and cricket is the winner. To further speed up the process, the Third Umpires replays need to be separate to those seen by TV viewers, the latter showing more of the action for entertainment value. Third Umpires, who are under heavy time constraints, need their replay feeds to be focussed in to the critical moments of action, and be replayed back and forth quickly. The most telling piece of footage can then be highlighted for viewers once the decision has been made. The umpires would also be viewing as a matter of course the no-ball line, and informing the umpire after every delivery if a no-ball was bowled but not called. Many batsmen are given out off no-balls, as these are not always easy for the onfield umpire to call correctly due to the bowlers position on the crease and the angle from which the umpire is watching the crease. The Third Umpires will watch every delivery for a no-ball, but when a wicket falls they will specifically double-check to ensure that the ball was legitimate. This is essential for fair play and correct decisions. And if a no-ball is called by the onfield um-

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pire but it is found, on review, to have been a fair delivery, then the no-ball will be overruled from a point of extras and there will be no extra delivery awarded. If the batsman goes out on a no-ball which was called early by the umpire (ie called before the batsman played his shot) then the batsman will be given not out as he could have been disturbed by the call or have changed his shot on the basis of the call. The alternative is that the onfield umpire doesnt call out loud a no-ball, in which case he can signal a no-ball and be overruled by the Third Umpires without it having influenced the batsman or fielders. The same would apply to wides called by the onfield umpire. A further innovation could be to rotate the Third Umpires with the onfield umpires. The Third Umpire will be severely tested with constant replays and would welcome a break out in the middle. It would also prevent the onfield umpire feeling powerless due to the Third Umpires ability to overrule them, as the onfield umpire would periodically also have the power to do the overruling when he moves to the Third Umpires seat. Further, as mentioned, their original decisions would remain in the event of the Third Umpires not being unanimously agreed on overruling a decision. If anything, the onfield umpires powers and credibility would be strengthened under such a system. Critics might argue that there will be a lack of consistency when compared to non-televised or less comprehensively televised games. My response is that the issue of controversy crops up most when

matches are so highly-televised, thus allowing players and spectators to pick up on umpiring errors. Its a case of horses for courses. The overhead view, or Aerial Umpire, will be an incredible assistance in run out decisions as it will provide a far superior view of the bat crossing the line and the stumps being broken. Viewed from above the keeper would almost never obscure the camera, as is sometimes the case with the side view, and the view of the moment at which the bails are lifted would be totally clear. The Aerial Umpire would also improve caught-behind decisions, as the Third Umpires would more clearly be able to see the exact point of deviation (especially in cases where the ball brushes the batsmans shoulder, which, from the front, looks like an edge off the bat) as well as for very fine edges. From above you will clearly see if there is any deviation as well as the exact point it occurred in the balls flight path, which will be seen more exactly from overhead. From the front or from rear views the batsmans bat obscures your vision of any deviation as it passes along the balls path. The Aerial Umpire would revolutionise LBW decisions, as well as casting a whole new level of understanding of LBW and the balls flight path, which could greatly educate and inform umpires at all levels, empowering them to adapt this new knowledge to their own umpiring at first-class, club and school level. Using a grid or line system indicating clearly the line of stump to stump (thus eradicating any undesirable guesswork from the Third Umpire as to the line

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that the ball pitched, as well as the exact line at which it struck the pads), we will be able to see clearly the line of the ball and be in a better position to judge how it was likely to continue on its flight path after it struck the pads. The aerial view will give an idea of the amount of swing and, based on the flight path from the bowlers hand to the pad (a longer distance than from pad to stumps) we will be able to accurately predict if the ball would have held its line to hit the stumps. We might even find that balls pitching on off and striking the batsman in line of leg stump might be worthy of an LBW dismissal. We do not know until we start viewing decisions from above. Until then LBW will always remain a mystery and accurate decisions will never be possible. It would clearly eliminate a large area of doubt, speculation and guesswork which has arisen from decades of a one-dimensional view, that of judging LBW purely from a frontal perspective. The aerial camera might detract from the atmosphere of a cricket field, and Id personally hate the idea as a cricket traditionalist. However, Im sure that it could be done in a subtle and unobtrusive manner, using a small camera like that used in the stump cam. And the resultant benefits to televised matches would be enormous. It remains the only frontier yet to be explored in cricket, and it could be one of the most dramatic, not to mention facilitating a massive paradigm shift in understanding LBW. Ideas of using computer chips in a cricket ball are, in my own opinion, undesirable as it would be a dramatic leap forward, too far ahead

of its time, I feel. It would tear from the game the human element of a person using his judgement to make decisions, albeit with the aid of TV replays that afford a superior view and point of reference than is currently the case. A computer chip system might, in fact, be able to provide the correct decisions for most bowlers appeals, but at the same time it would dramatically reduce the human element of umpiring, which would alter the face of cricket irrevocably. Is it so necessary to achieve perfection in umpiring decisions, or should we rather be seeking to reduce the amount of clearly incorrect decisions as can be seen on TV replay? Certainly we should use the TV replay to allow humans to give better decisions, as well as providing them with better angles and views from which to make their decisions. But we need to keep the umpires human, for our sanity and for theirs.

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CRICKETS AERIAL UMPIRE

A Report by Simon Lewis

no doubt in his mind whatsoever. It currently seems that umpires at all levels of cricket are striving to make decisions, a fact possibly exacerbated by unsporting and increasing appeals. Umpires should be more responsible for giving batsmen out only when they can be certain that they are out - if they were to call for the Third Umpire that should indicate doubt, and therefore the benefit should then be given to the batsman. The Third Umpires should be constantly monitoring the play, viewing video replays, and they should inform the onfield umpire when an incorrect decision has been made so that the onfield umpire can change his decision. The onfield umpires aim should be getting through a match without making an error. If that means he rules every appeal to be not out then so be it. The Third Umpire will be there to rule on the close decisions that require careful analysis of slow-motion replays. It will be embarrassing for the onfield umpire if he gives a batsman out but the Third Umpire rules not out. Equally it will serve as evidence of an umpires ability when he gives a decision which is backed-up by a well-informed Third Umpire watching a set of slowmotion replays. The onfield umpire should never approach the Third Umpire for assistance, for that could hamper the entire process as he then holds sole right to call for the Third Umpire. Would Javed Akhtar have called for the Third Umpire to adjudicate on any of the LBWs he gave against South Africa in the Headingley Test? If he had that would have implied doubt, which would imply having to give the batsmen the benefit of the doubt.

A Solution to the Third Umpire Crisis

(first published 1 September 1998)
1. THE THIRD UMPIRES

The current high level of television coverage of top-class cricket makes the onfield umpires job extremely difficult. Television viewers at home and at the ground are in a better position than him to make accurate judgements, aided by super-slow, close-up action replays, and yet he must make tough decisions in the heat of the moment and under enormous pressure. To fall back on the old faithful comment that it all evens out in the end is no longer relevant in the Test arena. If the camera is now able to tell us with greater accuracy if a batsman is out or not, then the umpires must use the cameras to help them strive to ensure that no blatant mistakes (as viewed on TV replay) can slip through. It should be a partnership, and the main aim should be ensuring that no glaring errors occur. There will be two to four Third Umpires making their adjudications, and they will swop places with the onfield umpires at the end of every session of play so that they are all kept fresh and involved in all levels of umpiring. The onfield umpire should ONLY give a batsman out when he is 100-percent certain that the batsman was in fact out, that there is

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The onfield umpire should act independently of the Third Umpires and make his own decision employing a high regard for the benefit of the doubt. The Third Umpires will contact him to inform him of any incorrect decisions which can be verified by two of the Third Umpires on-screen in a set time, failing which the onfield umpires decision stands. The current Third Umpire system has already usurped the onfield umpires position as sole judge and executioner, yet it still allows him to make a mistake if he fails to call for the Third Umpire on a close decision. Theres no point having a foolproof back-up umpiring system if its not going to be used in a consistent manner. The Third Umpire must have autonomy to make or reverse any decisions that he can back-up with video footage evidence. Television coverage has advanced so radically that Test cricket is in the position where it must now reinvent itself. Failure to do so can only lead to increasing displays of poor sportsmanship in the face of umpiring errors. In the past batsmen would always walk off berating an umpire for a poor LBW decision. Everyone knew that in most instances he was covering up his disappointment at being given out and was, usually, totally unaware of whether he should or should not have been given out. His anger soon subsided. But today a batsman can walk off the field and watch conclusive evidence on a TV monitor that shows that he should not have been

given out. And the evidence gets more conclusive as technology advances. Its not fair for professional batsmen or for Test cricket and its supporters. The only incorrect decisions that should be allowed under the Third Umpire system are the not out ones when technically a batsman might have been out in a really close decision that cant be confirmed easily. Its far better for the umpire (either onfield or the Third Umpire) to give the batsman the benefit than to make a judgement and give a batsman out when he isnt absolutely certain. The Third Umpires primary task should be to ensure that no blatant errors are committed by the onfield umpires, and secondly to award any decisions that are clear and obvious as viewed on his TV replay. He mustnt search for the answer if its staring him in the face then he must make the relevant decision, but if theres doubt then he must award it to the batsman or go with the onfield umpires decision. At present the Third Umpire sometimes views run out situations for a couple of minutes, trying desperately to see if the batsman was out and then, it would seem, trying to convince himself that the batsman was out. Theyre searching too hard for the answer. He should have a quick look at the replays from all angles, possibly a second look if required but if more than that is required it should be given as benefit to the batsman and play should continue. The aim is not to achieve 100-percent perfect decisions, but rather to ensure 100-percent error-free and consistent umpiring. If the

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batsman sometimes gets the benefit of the doubt when he should have been given out, that is better than some batsmen sometimes being given out incorrectly. To ensure that cricket continues as a fair and honest gentlemans game, the use of TV and video replays needs to be expanded and at the same time stream-lined. Here follows some ideas that could be considered.
2. THE THIRD UMPIRES CAMERAS

tract from the pleasure of spectators watching at the ground. Such a structure exists, I believe, at a good many soccer stadiums around the world, not to mention in South Africa. The camera could either be draped from above one grandstand to another, or it could be strung up on four cords attached to the floodlights found at most major cricket grounds. This camera will provide the sort of views never before seen on a cricket field, and I believe they will be illuminating in the extreme. I believe it will revolutionise the face of umpiring understanding, which will have far-reaching consequences in terms of education and learning for umpires at all levels. I believe it will give us all a totally new perception of leg-before-wicket decisions. Furthermore, the view will be able to assist with almost every possible umpiring decision, as well as being a dynamic new view for replays and cricket education. Ideally there would be one aerial camera to take in the whole pitch and two more focussing up closer on each set of stumps. A system of onscreen grids is also essential to the success of any Third Umpire system. These will be computer-generated onscreen grids or templates which will assist the Third Umpire in making fast and accurate decisions, as well as giving viewers a clear idea of why a certain decision was given. These grids will be aesthetically messy and thus will only be shown to the viewers once a decision has been given. The Third Umpire will have these grids on his screens all the time, giving him clear lines from which to tell if the bowler overstepped the mark, if the batsman reached the crease before the bails were removed, if the ball pitched on leg

The Third Umpires will need more cameras to help them make moreinformed decisions, but specifically they will need more stationery cameras. Currently the cameras all tend to jump around too much, focus close-up and then pan out again. That doesnt help the Third Umpire make his decisions as he needs to rely on consistently clear and focussed pictures to provide his hard evidence. Having additional stationery cameras will also benefit TV viewers as they will also be shown live-action and action replays of a still, clear shot. There will be an Aerial Umpire camera. The logistics of this are not within my technical knowledge. If it can be implemented (technically, aesthetically and financially) then it alone would be able to provide almost 100-percent accurate decision-making reference for the Third Umpires. The concept would be hanging a camera (similar in size and structure to the stump-cam) directly above the pitch. It would naturally have to be high enough not to interfere with any big hits from the batsman, and constructed in such a way as not to de-

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stump or outside, and if the ball hit the batsman in line of wicket to wicket. They will be integral to any success of the Third Umpire, as he shouldnt be forced to make judgement calls. He must have a clear view of exactly where the ball pitched, and so on. He cannot be forced to guess if it was on the line or outside. The line needs to be shown on his screen for him to make accurate and consistent decisions. The still camera shots will add value to the cricket broadcast as it will show the action in one clear shot, as if the viewers were sitting at the ground. This will also provide a better source of stock footage for use in compiling cricket coaching videos. It also guarantees that certain pieces of the action are not missed by the cameraman through bad luck or when focussing on something else. It will require an investment in more cameras, and it will need greater control and management in the production and editing department, but these extra cameras will not need to be manned like other cameras. Ideally sponsorship would cover the additional costs. There will be a camera at mid-wicket/cover on both sides of the wicket. This stationary camera will take in the whole pitch, from stump to stump, to give viewers a clear picture of the action from side-on. The current Pana-eye camera can be kept to help adjudicate on run outs, no-balls, stumpings and short runs, although it will have to be lined-up 100-percent accurately with the popping crease to ensure accurate decisions using the onscreen grid. There

will also be two to four (depending on costs) Pana-eyes about 30metres in the air positioned at mid-on and mid-off on either side of the field. These steady views will help with judging the height of the ball (LBW) and giving steady, totally focussed views of the batsman, allowing as many options as possible for the Third Umpire to tell if the batsman edged a delivery or not (especially bat-pad) and whether or not the batsman hit the ball into the ground or not (ie a bump ball). There will be a stationery camera at either end of the ground directly behind the middle stump and positioned above the sightscreen or at as high a point as is possible (on top of a grandstand). This will help with LBWs and caught behind, as well as providing superb views of the bowler running in and the batsman playing his shots. This will also help with technical analysis during broadcasts, as there will be consistently good images on which to discuss points of technique, and will be invaluable for live-action cricket coaching videos.
3. SPEEDING UP THE DECISION

The Third Umpire system has caused a great many stoppages in play, partly because the Third Umpire views the same monitor as the television viewers, so he often has to wait for the action to arrive at the crucial moment when he can make his decision, causing play to come to a halt as the action replay is broadcast across the airwaves. He needs to have access to that crucial moment or two

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when the batsman ran his bat into the crease, etc, not the fielder throwing the ball in, which is essential to show television viewers, but equally hampers the Third Umpires ability to make quick decisions as vital seconds are being eaten up by the action replay. He should have immediate access to whatever action he needs to view and should be able to view it however he needs to in order to make his decision. To run the system efficiently decision-makers should only be shown footage a few frames either side of the relevant moment of action, thus affording them more time to view other angles and review them all again in the same time it usually takes the current Third Umpire system to view two angles. The emphasis must be on a slick, no-nonsense operation. This will naturally require more manpower to source and play these views to the Third Umpires. He should be able to go straight to the crucial moment once an appeal has gone up, view the incident two or three times with a cue/review freeze-frame system, and then make his decision. Importantly, his monitor will not be seen by television viewers as the pictures will be jumping backwards and forwards, thus not being pleasing to the viewers who will be watching replays as normal. Once his decision has been made the viewers can be shown the most relevant and conclusive piece of action which will prove the decision, accompanied at that point by the onscreen grids which are available on all the Third Umpires replay monitors.

Two umpires will have to verify each decision and if they cant both give it quickly then the benefit must go to the batsman. For instance, in the event of really close run outs, if it cant be seen to be out after looking at the slow-motion replays for 10 seconds then you have to give the benefit to the batsman. Theoretically he might still be out, but if its not conclusive then the Third Umpire should give the benefit and get on with the game. If you cant prove it in 10 seconds then youre not going to be able to prove it, but will be relying on subjectivity to insist on giving the batsman out. The Third Umpire should have no more time than the bowler walking back to his mark, which is the normal time from the ball going dead till the bowler starts his next run up, which then makes the ball alive - the time in which a team can make an appeal and in which the umpire can answer it. Once the ball becomes alive again the fielding side can no longer appeal, as a new ball is in progress, and the result of the previous ball can not be altered by any of the umpires. The time available for a dismissed batsman to be called back to the wicket would obviously be greater, although as with a normal appeal or cancelling of a decision the batsman would still have to be on the field of play, for once he leaves it his innings can under no circumstances be continued. There would of course be leeway to allow the Third Umpires to, on occasion, halt play for a while longer if the replays are complex or if there is some valid reason why they are not easily able to pick up the most important piece of action. This would have to apply to spin bowlers especially, whose run-ups are shorter, which therefore allows even less time

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for the Third Umpire. This would suggest extra stoppages and some time-wasting, but it would clearly be much less than would be the case if there had to be constant appeals to the Third Umpire using conventional replays. The possibility of having a limited amount of appeals to the Third Umpire is impractical and would be unfair. Imagine if only a certain amount of run out consultations were allowed under the present Third Umpire system? The Third Umpires will beep the onfield umpire on a walkie-talkie or cell phone to inform him of an incorrect decision. As with the possibility of the onfield umpire making a mistake, through error of judgement or not being able to see the action clearly, it is vital that TWO Third Umpires confirm all the decisions that they make. They need a sounding board and a second opinion, especially if they are going to operate the system quickly and efficiently. Neither should they be subjected to the intense pressure of having to make a decision alone. This second Third Umpire should be a guarantee that no umpiring errors occur. As there will be major pressure on the umpires in the booth, which is why it will be imperative to swop positions every session with the onfield umpires, as well as giving all the umpiring officials a chance to perform all the various umpiring duties.
4. AN END TO UNCALLED NO-BALLS

screen gird in place), and from the Aerial Umpires view, also with a grid in place. As soon as he spots or can confirm a no-ball he informs the onfield umpire and no-ball is signalled on the field of play. This might sometimes be called rather late, certainly always too late for the batsman to capitalise on the no-ball by having a free hit at it, but at least it would ensure fair and honest deliveries, consistent and objective no-ball calling, and a reprieve for any batsman unfairly given out off a no-ball. It would probably take a while longer to spot the no-ball, but there should be enough time in the case of a dismissal, the major reason for concern anyway; for a delivery which has not yielded a wicket, if the umpire cant pick it up clearly and early before the bowler starts his next delivery, then thats too bad. But at least the glaring and clear mistakes would be picked up, which in the long run would save the onfield umpires from embarrassment as well as ensuring a fair and even contest. This umpire would need one of his fellow Third Umpires to confirm his decision as well, by showing them the most obvious frame of footage. This umpire would also be responsible for adjudicating on run outs, stumpings and short runs which might not have been picked up by the onfield umpires.
5. LEG-BEFORE-WICKET

To solve the problem of leg-before-wicket decisions, any one of the cameras mentioned in the introduction would be used for clarity, although undoubtedly the most effective cameras will be the following: One of the Third Umpires could be permanently watching a split screen that shows the bowlers crease from the side (with an on-

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i) The side-view camera

incorrect judgements on the line that the ball pitched (it needs to be definite and exact and not reliant on any judgement calls - if it gets to the stage of a judgement call then the benefit should go to the batsman). This should enable the umpire to accurately tell where the ball pitched and where it hit the batsman in relation to the stumps behind him (which are shown in front of him on screen). This clearly shows the point of impact. This will primarily gauge the height, but it will also be useful for direction, although this will best be seen by the Aerial Umpire. Naturally, the two will work well together. Leg-before is an incredibly difficult decision. The factors involved are so complex that errors should be expected on a regular basis. It is unavoidable. The biggest problem is the fact that umpires base their decision on learned principles from years of umpiring with a single focus or viewpoint - straight on to the batsman. Having a view from above would make for almost perfect decision-making. It will also open up a huge new understanding of leg-before-wicket, especially with a view to the path of the ball after it strikes the batsman. Perhaps we shall find that presently umpires are too lenient and that indeed many more batsmen have been given out who should otherwise not have been, or the other way around.
6. CAUGHT BEHIND

To judge the height and path of the ball in relation to passing over the top of the stumps;
ii) The stump-cam

Using a grid to show the position of the stumps in front of the batsman on the screen, thus giving a clearer, more accurate picture of which stump the ball hit the pads in front of, etc, and grid lines from stump to stump to accurately pin-point where the ball pitched; and
iii) The Aerial Umpire

Using a grid to show the line of the stumps from wicket to wicket to clearly show where the ball pitched and which stump it hit the batsman in line with, but also giving a better view of the path of the ball and the likelihood that it might stay on path to hit the stumps or not, to see how far the ball still had to travel and what its course was likely to be. This could also be invaluable for giving umpires a better view of the path of the ball in general, with access to different views which would help coach umpires at all levels to have a better understanding of LBW and all that it entails, which would improve the standard of umpiring at all levels. The present stump-cam could be used with a grid showing the stumps (transposed over the batsman on the screen), as well as a grid showing the line from wicket to wicket, bearing in mind that it is distorted with the stump-cam, so the distortions would have to be represented on the grid, otherwise the umpires would be making

Using the Aerial Umpire camera, there will be a far better view of the line of the ball from bowler to keeper (where the majority of

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controversial snicks go), thus giving the clearest and most unobstructed view of the balls path and the likelihood that it might have deviated. From the front or from behind its difficult (for the onfield umpire or an umpire watching a replay on TV) to see a faint nick, as the batsmans bat passes across the line of the ball as it goes through to the keeper, thus obscuring the view of any deflection. Seen from above and on a slow-motion replay you will be able to see if there is a point at which the ball actually deviates or edges off an otherwise straight path through to the keeper. All balls bowled have a natural drift through the air, which is what sometimes leads to incorrect caught-behind decisions as the umpire sees the ball drifting to leg or off after passing the bat, incorrectly assuming this to be an edge when in many cases it might be the balls natural late swing. Viewed from above it will be possible to see if the ball starts its deviation as it passes the bat. There will be a clearer view as well of any air between bat and ball. Equally, this view will support not-out decisions when the ball has passed the bat and struck the batsmans shoulder or arm directly behind the bat, causing a deflection which, when viewed from the front by the umpire or on a front TV view, justifiably looks as if it came off the edge of the bat. Seen from behind one is often able to spot this, but undeniably viewed from above it will prove in most cases when the ball hit the batsmans body and not his bat. From above this sort of unavoidable and honest error could be eliminated in most cases, certainly avoiding any blatant errors slipping through the cracks.

7. RUN OUTS

The present Third Umpire system is close to perfect in the case of run outs, but obviously the Aerial Umpire would give one extra view, as well as providing a far clearer perspective on the bat crossing the line in relation to the bails being lifted. The no-ball line view can also help if used with a split screen for replays played at the same time as other angles, allowing the umpires to see the various pieces of action in relation to one another. It would also provide a better view of the bat sliding past the crease, unlike the side view which can be blurred depending on the state of the popping crease and the pitch, which tend to get dusty and smudged as the match goes on. Using a similar onscreen grid would provide a clean and consistent view of the actual line that the batsman needs to cross in order to make his ground safely. This would also provide the Third Umpire with more of a tangible and real determination upon which he must make his decision. At present Third Umpires are being forced to guess to a certain degree exactly where the line is which the batsman must cross. If there was a clear line on screen for the Third Umpire to use to help him in his decisionmaking (and which could later be shown to viewers to prove the accuracy of the decision) it would further reduce the margin of error, if not eliminating it altogether. Furthermore, the wicket-keeper or fielder usually breaks the wicket from the side and not from above, thus ensuring an even clearer picture from the Aerial Umpire to show exactly when the bails are removed, which in itself would be clearer from above than the present TV angles.

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8. WIDES

from the top of one of the four floodlight pylons at a ground), especially seeing as the noise factor plays a large part in the dismissal and in that regard the onfield umpire is in a good position to judge. As a back-up, the stump-cam and other views can be replayed to the Third Umpires who, if they spot a glaring mistake either way, can hurriedly inform the onfield umpire.

In Test matches wides are dependant on a batsmans height and reach, not allowing for a consistent onscreen grid. However, the Aerial Umpire will give a clearer idea of how close the ball was to the batsman as it passed him. There would be a general grid guideline, but it would have to be discretionary. Its difficult for umpires to always get this one right, but with an overhead view there would be a greater degree of accuracy. In one-day cricket the grid system fits in perfectly and would ensure against the onfield umpire anguishing over calling a wide in the final overs of a match, which could unfairly affect either sides chance of winning. Furthermore, having an umpire away from the pressure and able to have a second or third look at the action before having to make a possibly match-affecting judgement will not only reduce the pressure on the onfield umpires but also ensure that a fair result can be achieved and eliminate any need for calls of poor umpiring by the losing side and their supporters.
9. BAT-PAD CATCHES

Once again, to achieve absolute perfection with every single decision will almost certainly never be possible, but at least every reasonable means should be employed to ensure that no major umpiring errors (out or not out) which can be spotted on a slow-motion replay are allowed to stand, not when the stakes are so high and the pressure so intense.
10. IN CONCLUSION

Major cricket matches and tournaments are in need of a system that eradicates major and blatant errors by the umpires. They need help simply because the current high level of camera work and camera technology has meant that errors are so much more visible to the layman. It is not the umpires who are at fault or who should be blamed. Theirs is a near impossible task - that of making faultless decisions in high-pressure situations with only a split-second of information at their disposal. It is only right and fair that the umpires are able to utilise or rely on an accurate Third Umpire system to ensure that they cant be accused of making poor decisions that ruin Tests and one-day matches. Cricket is a gentlemans game, but its so difficult to remain a gentleman when everything is

Bat-pad catches are possibly the second-most difficult decision to adjudicate on, after leg-before-wicket. The aerial view could help in this decision, although most likely a separate aerial camera at a 45-degree angle to the pitch would give a better view inbetween the bat and the pad. That extra camera might not be worth the effort for a somewhat occasional dismissal (although it would also provide viewers with a further unusual view of the action, taken

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at stake and yet you have clear evidence of unfair decisions going against you. The umpires need to remain involved with the decision and the play, and they need to be the ones making the decision, albeit with an increasing amount of assistance from visual views and TV screens. But it will still be the umpire, an impartial but human observer, who will be making the decisions and informing the players, spectators and scorers what the decision is based on what they see before them on the TV replay monitor. Umpires skills will become far more analytical, and umpires at all levels will benefit by being exposed to the new views and angles of the action shown on TV, and seeing how certain factors affect what the decision should really be will enable them to apply that knowledge when they go in the field to umpire without the aid of technology, but with a clearer understanding of the path a ball is likely to take after hitting a batsman on the pads. If the overhead view proves that a ball pitching outside off-stump and hitting the pads in line with leg-stump can still hit the stumps (if its possible), then umpires all over the world will be able to view LBW appeals in a new light. The truth will be revealed, there will be less speculation, guesswork and personal opinions, and cricket will benefit from more correct decisions.

However, I personally believe that the Aerial Umpire will prove that in the majority of instances the batsman should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to LBW. I believe the Aerial Umpire will prove to be that conclusive and, with that in mind, umpires at all levels will have to adapt their decision-making to only allow legbefore decisions which they are certain are out. The aim is to have a team of umpires on the field and in the Third Umpires booth all working together to ensure that they uphold the laws and make correct decisions, all working together and performing equal tasks, aided by camera angles to make the correct decisions, thus maintaining the human element whilst ensuring a higher level of umpiring accuracy. That would be a fair system for all. Everyone loves the run out assistance from the Third Umpire because it ensures that a quantifiable decision is not made incorrectly. Now it is time for the same level of accuracy and chance to recall applies to all umpiring decisions. The technology exists right now, it can be put into place very easily (once a few minor logistical problems have been overcome), and it can ensure that humans can make more informed and accurate umpiring decisions, under less pressure and therefore less likely to make a mistake, rather than being embarrassed in front of the public (who can see when a blatant error has been made). The fact that the Third Umpire is already being used for so many decisions (run out, bump ball catches, fielders or ball touching the

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boundary rope, ball carrying the rope for six) should make it an easy decision to progress one step further, especially since the aforementioned methods do not change the face of cricket in any more drastic way than the initial introduction of the Third Umpire. We are already travelling down the road of decreasing onfield umpiring responsibilities lets now complete the journey, quickly, safely and as affordably as possible.
SIMON LEWIS The Ball magazine simon@theball.co.za www.theball.co.za

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