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Umpire queries: SA, Eng differ
08/05/2008 22:05 - (SA)
Altus Momberg, Die Burger
Cape Town - South Africa's top cricketers are in favour of the proposed system that will allow players to query umpires' decisions. But it seems England's leading players are opposed to it.
With about two months to go before the start of their Test series in England, the teams appear to have different views about this important issue.
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur confirmed on Thursday that his players favoured the idea.
"All that matters to us is that the correct decisions are taken. We believe this system will add value but I understand the English are wary of an experiment." Arthur said.
The International Cricket Council this week announced details of the proposed system. It will give cricketers the right to question an umpire's decision, similar to the rights tennis players now enjoy.
If a decision is queried, the umpire will have to consult the television official.
The ICC requested the England and South Africans teams to try out the system during their four-match Test series that starts on July 10.
If the teams do not agree, India and Sri Lanka may be the first to give it a trial run later this year.
Ensure the correct decisions are taken
The English television channel Sky Sport may lean on the England players to change their stance. Sky and the ICC consulted about the idea and the broadcasters would like to test it.
One of South Africa's top umpires, Marais Erasmus, is in favour of the system. He agrees with Arthur that the object is to ensure the correct decisions are taken.
The former Boland player, a teacher at Malmesbury near Cape Town, admits it won't be nice for an umpire to be proved wrong.
An umpire's confidence may suffer if his decisions are constantly questioned "but if you want to officiate at international level you must be able to handle it," said Erasmus, the SA umpire of the year in 2006 and 2007.
Erasmus also believes the system will relieve tension among players.
At the moment, players may not express their feelings towards an umpire. This can result in pressure building up on the field. Erasmus believes the proposed system can prevent this.
Some people felt the umpires' authority may be undermined but it was time to move along with modern technology, he said.
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