IND vs WI: Third Umpire to help in calling front-foot no-balls

In the recently concluded Australia-Pakistan Test series, there were two sessions of play where the on-field umpires missed out on calling 21 no-balls. Finally, ICC has decided to take a measure to prevent this from happening in future. The third umpire will now assist field umpires to improve the calling of front-foot no-balls. The trial of this process shall begin in the T20I and ODI series between India and West Indies.

ICC’s statement:

“Throughout the trial, the Third Umpire will be responsible for monitoring every ball bowled and identifying whether there has been any front foot infringement,” the ICC said in a release on Thursday (December 5). “If there has been an infringement on the front foot, the Third Umpire will communicate this to the On-Field Umpire who will subsequently call a no-ball. As a result, the On-Field Umpire will not call a front foot no-ball without the advice of the Third Umpire.”

The ICC has also added that the benefit of the doubt will be given to the bowlers. The on-field umpires will have to revoke a decision in case a late no-ball is called.

“If a late no-ball call is communicated, then the On-Field Umpire will rescind a dismissal (if applicable) and call no-ball. The On-Field Umpire will remain responsible for other in-game decisions in the usual way,” the release further stated.

India and West Indies are playing in a limited-overs series which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. This will give six matches for the ICC to try and assess the impact of the trial, and whether it can be implemented as a long term solution or not.

The decision to have the third umpire making this call was taken by the ICC on the recommendation of its Cricket Committee in August this year. The system was briefly trialled in 2016 England-Sri Lanka series.

Massive no-ball, the ball that got Gayle out should have been a free-hit. It is understandable when a close no-ball is not given, missing this one is criminal. With third umpire no-ball checks on fall of wickets, on-field umpires aren’t even checking NBs. #Criminal pic.twitter.com/ipOwQgQgiG

— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) June 6, 2019