Cricket was completely transformed by the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS). Initially proposed back in 1997 by Senaka Weeraratna, a Sri Lankan lawyer, the system gave players the right to challenge an umpire’s decision. The system had its initial test during India’s tour of Sri Lanka, playing a Test series in July 2008, and the first player to be bowled out via DRS was Virender Sehwag. In addition, today, DRS is one of the most powerful tools used in cricket to minimize umpiring mistakes and settling close calls with technology.
It should be noted that after being successfully tested, the system was formally introduced into use in Test matches in 2009, ODIs in 2011, and became mandatory in T20 internationals in 2017. Presently, the use of the system is an integral part of international cricket tournaments and leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).
How Do Teams Opt for DRS?
Review of the on-field decision can only be made once a decision has been made by the on-field umpire. In case a batsman is ruled out, the batsman can appeal for a review. However, in case a batsman is ruled not out, the captain of the fielding side alone can appeal.
The player has to make a “T” sign using both his hands within 15 seconds. The time starts when the ball becomes dead. If the request comes late, the umpire can reject it.
How Many DRS Challenges Does a Team Get?
Teams do not get unlimited reviews. They must use them carefully.
In Test matches, each team gets three unsuccessful reviews per innings. These reviews do not carry forward to the next innings. In ODIs and T20Is, each team gets two unsuccessful reviews per innings.
If the review is successful, the team keeps that review. The same applies when the final result is “Umpire’s Call.”
What Happens When a Team Takes DRS?
The third umpire will begin with determining whether the ball has been bowled fairly or not. Overstepping results in no-ball, and the decision made previously is reversed.
In case the throw has been fair, the umpire will focus on analyzing the dismissal. As concerns LBW cases, the umpire will need to find out whether the throw was touching the bat at first, the point where it pitched, touched the pads and would have hit the stumps.
As for caught behind decisions, the contact between bat and ball will be analyzed.
Tools That Make DRS Effective
DRS relies on several technologies working together. UltraEdge and Real-Time Snicko detect faint edges by picking up sound and movement. Hot Spot uses infrared imaging to show contact points. Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking project the path of the ball and predict whether it would hit the stumps. Slow-motion replays support all of these tools and help the third umpire study every angle before making a final call.
What Is Umpire’s Call?
It is not every case where the review process yields a definite verdict. This happens when there is very little difference in evidence, which fails to reverse the original judgment. The final outcome is thus referred to as “Umpire’s Call.”
This rule is most prevalent in cases related to reviews for LBWs based on marginal impact or ball tracking. The decision of the on-field umpire holds good. But the team retains its review opportunity.
This ruling was instituted in the year 2016 to preserve the authority of the on-field umpire when technology cannot provide conclusive proof.
What Is the Difference Between a Player Review and an Umpire Review?
A player review is initiated by the players using DRS. It is used to challenge an out or not out decision.
An umpire review is different. Here, the on-field umpires refer a decision to the third umpire on their own. This usually happens in run-outs, stumpings or uncertain boundary calls.
In short, player reviews are team-driven. Umpire reviews are official referrals.
