South Africa to use TV technology for lbw calls

South Africa, in what it says will be a world first, is to use television technology to verify lbw decisions in all domestic matches in the 2000-2001 season.

"As soon as we believe there are sufficient grounds for the use of this technology at international level, we shall motivate its inclusion in the playing conditions applicable to Test and one-day international cricket to the International Cricket Council," United Cricket Board of South Africa managing director Ali Bacher said.

In the domestic matches, on-field umpires will be allowed to utilise the "lbw mat" to request assistance from the television umpire in verifying:
- whether the ball pitched outside the line of the leg stump, and;
- whether the first point of impact of the ball on the striker's person is between wicket and wicket.

"An lbw appeal has always been one of the most contentious decisions required of an umpire to adjudicate upon and has previously been based on amatter of opinion in which the umpire is in the best position to make such a decision," said UCB director of umpiring and playing affairs Brian Basson.

"Television technology supplemented by the "lbw mat" has now advanced to the stage where these aspects can be based upon fact.

Added Bacher: "The umpire in the year 2000 is endeavouring to pit the human eye against the advances of modern technology. "It is incumbent upon us to ensure that umpires and the standard of umpiring remain an integral part of the game and we are confident that the added responsibility of the television umpire will assist the on-field umpire in making the correct decisions with confidence and assurance."

Mail Cricket Editor