Microphones help umpires to improve decision-making

Barbados: Cricket umpires are likely to be permanently wired up with the stumps to enable them to pick up the snicks and inside edges.

"The reports on the use of microphones to improve on-field decision making has been positive," remarked Dave Richardson, International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager to Gulf News at the Kensington Oval.

"Umpire Simon Taufel has spoken highly of it saying it is essential because it allows hearing those faint edges," added Richardson, who heads the cricket operations of the ICC.

Pointing out the fact that all umpires may not find it easy to start with, he felt it would be easy once they get used to it.

"In the beginning, some umpires who used it for the first time found it a bit disconcerting. It picks up noises from the crowd and also the noise of the batsman fiddling around the crease with his feet. But I'm sure they will enjoy it later on."

This ICC general manager has been actively involved in the introduction of technology into the game.

He was also pleased with the improved use of power play.

Innovative approach

"All team captains have shown a lot of innovation with regard to the use of the power. In fact, it is now being used as a tactic. Since it has worked very well, we might just continue with it."

Talking about the pitches for the World Cup, Richardson, a former South African wicket-keeper, considered them one of the positives of the tournament.

"They were all new pitches and hence captains had some difficulty in reading them.

"Apart from one or two games where there was early life in the pitch, most of the pitches have been fair to both the teams. On the whole, the wickets have favoured the batsmen and that was what we were looking for."

A veteran of 42 Test matches and 122 One-dayers, he was quite critical of the dismal show by the South Africans here.

"Though their batting came in for some heavy criticism, what they lacked is a variety in bowling. And that puts everyone under pressure. So, if a team cannot be sure of the score they can defend then nothing can be done."

But why is it that South Africa has not produced good spinners so far? His knowledge of their pitches helped him figure out the reason.

"Historically, pitches in South Africa are the most unfriendly to spinners you can find anywhere in the world. Even Shane Warne and Muralitharan have found the going tough when they've come to South Africa."