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Cricket's Decision Review System (DRS) was conceived to eradicate errors, but the Umpire's Call rule LBW decisions its essence, remains contentious. Blending ball-tracking technology with on-field umpire judgment, it polarizes opinion: while embracing technological limitations, its subjective interpretation provokes controversy and has decided match outcomes. Discover how it works, why it divides opinion, and how it played a role in classic cricketing moments.
The advanced method Cricket's Decision Review System (DRS) got introduced in 2008 which transformed the game by allowing teams to challenge on-field umpire decisions. At the center of the system is the availability of "Umpire's Call," a feature that has been the source of contention between players, supporters, and experts. Umpire's Call only concerns Leg Before Wicket (LBW) reviews, and ball-tracking is used to determine if the ball would have hit the stumps or not. If the likely path indicates the ball merely touching the stumps (less than 50% of the diameter of the ball), the on-field umpire's initial decision is final, irrespective of the DRS calculation.
In Hawk-Eye technology used in DRS LBW appeals, the ball's trajectory is predicted. Three conditions must be met to overturn a decision:
Impact: The ball must impact more than 50% of the stumps
Pitching: The ball must pitch along the direction of the stumps
Impact on pad: Must be along the direction of the stumps
When less than 50% of the ball touches the stumps, the initial decision by the umpire remains correct - Umpire's Call. It takes into account Hawk-Eye's error tolerance and adds to the decision arrived at on the field.
Umpire's Call faces a lot of critisicm due to:
Unreliable outcomes: Identical trajectory ball produces different outcomes based on the umpire's first call
Fans' confusion: Crowd cannot understand why "hitting stumps" does not always equate to being out
Impact on the match: Match-turning matches are made to hinge on these narrow decisions, disconcerting teams
The subjectivity of this rule still causes controversy despite its aim to balance tech and human judgment.
India vs England, 2021 (Ahmedabad Test): England's Zak Crawley was ruled not out LBW by Axar Patel, but DRS suggested the ball hit the stumps. Due to Umpire's Call, the on-field decision stood, and controversy ensued over it.
Australia vs South Africa, 2018 (Port Elizabeth Test): South Africa's AB de Villiers, having survived the LBW on Nathan Lyon with the help of Umpire's Call, went on to play a conclusive role in the match.
India vs New Zealand, 2019 (World Cup Semi-final): India's Ravindra Jadeja was adjudged not out LBW off Trent Boult, but DRS showed the ball just brushing the leg stump. Umpire's Call saved him.
The Umpire's Call law in cricket is meant to permit the on-field umpire's judgment in borderline DRS cases. While it attempts to balance technology with human decision-making, its subjectivity continues to divide opinions. As technology evolves, the ICC may consider reconsidering the law, but until then, it is a recognized and divisive part of the game.
