I’ve been thinking more about the use of Hotspot overnight, and I’m trying to think if any broadcastors around the world other than Channel 9 use it currently?? Can any Roarers out there with pay TV confirm if it’s in use for this current series by the host broadcastors??

From memory, Ch.9 only have two IR cameras, one at each end. For it to be used more widely like I’ve suggested (nay, implored) in the column above, realistically 4-6 IR cameras would be required around the ground..

Just ask Jim Maxwell and the ABC Radio commentary team. Their TV monitor, long considered essential technology, didn’t work for the first day and a half. We were enterained with the noise of an Indian gentleman techincian under the desk banging things trying to get it working.

Then, and on at least two occasions during days one and two, the radio connection back to Australia died altogether, requiring them to continue broadcasting by mobile phone.

Brilliant. Never did the commentary team break stride or lose their composure or even consider complaining. They know better than that and that these occurrences are all part of the Indian experience, on and off the field.

And long may it continue…………..

No referral to 3rd umpire with exception to run out. It slows down the game unnecessary. Remove the challenge system. Never was a fan of that and it does seem to undermine the referee authority

However
THe 3rd umpire can overrule the standing umpire for obvious errors using any tool he can want under a limit of let say 30 seconds of the ball being delivered or 2 replays of the ball. It is pretty farcical that players walk off the pitch – seeing the replays on the big screen and seeing an obvious error. This ensures that technology doesn’t slow the game down. Although it will not solve any 50:50 marginal decision. It will still get rid of awful umpiring mistakes that the stadium would have saw correctly live. I don’t see this as undermining referee authoirty as the decision is made by other referees and also I see refereeing as a team and a collective process. Have the 3rd umpire a more involve role isn’t a bad thing and unlike the challenge system doesn’t encourage players to question the referee decision.

An alternatives is that when a player is given out or not out and when the replays is on the big screen. THe umpire has an obligation to reverse the decision if incorrect (it has been done before as well in a few ODI where referee saw the replay and reverse the decision so there is precedent. It just that most umpires don’t reverse decision)

The thing is – people don’t watch sports to enjoy refereeing decisions no matter how good their decision making process is. They are not the attraction of the game and are not the source of entertainment