ICC committee recommends mandatory DRS in Tests, ODIs

Kuala Lumpur, June 25 (IANS) The International Cricket Council's (ICC) chief executive committee Monday recommended the universal application of the controversial Decision Review System (DRS), which has been fiercely opposed by the Indian cricket board, in both Tests and ODIs after being satisfied with independently conducted research.

The CEC, during its two-day meeting over the weekend, discussed the reviews. It was satisfied the technology enhancements provided by new Hotspot cameras and the results of the independent research on ball tracking conducted by Ed Rosten, an expert in computer vision technology.

Rosten had tested the accuracy and reliability of ball tracking in a recent Test series and concluded that the results were 100 percent in agreement with the outcomes produced from his assessments.

CEC accordingly recommended to the ICC Board that, subject to the members' ability to finance and obtain the required technology, DRS should be mandatory for all Tests and ODIs.

The CEC also said that hotspot cameras must be included in the minimum requirements (two cameras) alongside ball tracking technology. The committee also made a a minor amendment to the LBW protocols whereby the 'margin of uncertainty' regarding the point of impact with the batsman should be the same as that provided for the point of impact with the stumps.

During the meeting it was also decided that the number of successful reviews will be retained at two per innings for a Test and one per innings for an ODI.

"We have made good progress in independently testing ball tracking and the new enhancements has resulted in the CEC unanimously supporting the ICC Cricket Committee's recommendation to universally apply the DRS in all Test matches and ODIs," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.