Howzatt?
My solution is to implement a protocol similar to that used in Rugby. Leave the on field umpires in charge, their authority can not be challenged and once the finger goes up you are out. However, allow the on field umpires to utiise the technology in their decision making. If they are not 100% convinced about an aspect of the decision then let them go upstairs and ask the third umpire for clarification.
Some questions you might hear:
- “I’m happy with the height and that it was going to hit the stumps, however can you confirm that the ball pitched in line?”
- “Can you check hot spot and advise if that was bat or pad?”
- “Did the ball hit the bat before or after hitting the pad?”
While we’re changing the umpiring laws, lets have the third umpire check all dismissals for front foot no-balls as a matter of course.. if he happens to see one then call the batsman back.
