Is the increasing role of technology in cricket a good thing?

Yes

1 of 2

by Ashley Smith

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

The increase in technology in cricket is fine and hasn't gone as far as it could have. There are ways it could have been overdone but the present limits are fine. Most of the technology available is used for TV coverage but it shows what it could do if needed. The referral system for batsmen and bowlers is ok as it is with limits set on appeals to umpire decisions. The limit is the important bit because it can be overdone if not limited. The umpire needs to be in control and needs to be allowed to make mistakes, the problem is if their are too many mistakes. At the moment the technology often proves the umpires right after the decision is made already. The replays show the incident form numerous directions and at various speeds as opposed to the once at high speed the umpire gets.

There are cameras at all points around the ground showing every angle for everything that happens. Technology records every ball, where it lands and the speed its bowled at. The technology will record who hit the ball and how hard and where the ball goes, there are numerous measurements for every ball bowled. These could be used for questioning umpires if allowed but the restrictions in place don't allow this, in fact though the system isn't used at all in certain games such as the upcoming ashes.

The umpires could benefit from a help with the no ball calls if the technology was increased. At the moment the bowler runs in at high speed, plants his foot and bowls. Therefore the umpires must be prepared to look down at the bowlers foot and then looking up to see where the ball goes to make any decision needed. In the main they get it right nearly every time but this is the only way to go if technology is expanded further. There is no real need to go there while the umpires can do their job as well as they do.

Umpires could be replaced by technology if it was wanted but that would detract from the game as a game for the people. Its a game played on t he beach, in the park and anywhere there is a flat piece of ground. The game is one that anyone can try with minimal tools and minimal equipment and this should be a edict that should be stuck to. The game is one that should be one that can be played with with little money and little equipment. This is the way that the younger people get involved in the game and the way that great players reach the top to play for their countries and progress.

Learn more about this author, Ashley Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.