Controversial review system to debut at NZ-Pak series

The International Cricket Council's controversial Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), which is being opposed by the BCCI, will go into operation from Tuesday with the start of the Test series between New Zealand and Pakistan in Dunedin.

With a majority of players and match officials in favour of the system, as well as nine out of 10 Full Members voting for it, it will also be used for the Australia-West Indies series, which gets underway in Brisbane on Thursday, the ICC said.

"We are excited about the introduction of this ground-breaking system," said David Richardson, ICC General Manager (Cricket).

"The system allows television technology to be used in a way that will not result in too many delays, will not de-skill the umpires and will take some pressure off the umpires. The fact is that trials showed that the system improved player behaviour and led to a significant reduction in the number of umpiring errors," he added.

In his report to the ICC following the trial, Billy Bowden from the Elite Panel of Umpires praised the UDRS, saying it will empower on-field officials.

"From an umpires point of view I embraced it, lived it and loved it. The effect was all positive for me but I wasn't surprised one iota. Why? Well, it gave me confidence to make good, strong umpiring decisions and I did not fall in to the trap of relying on the UDRS to bail me out. I felt in control, relaxed and happy umpiring in the Tests every day," Bowden said.

"I had two decisions reversed in my two Tests. I didn't lose confidence but instead felt good that the right decision was made. It also gave me strength to get back in the zone again and concentrate on the next ball knowing I wouldn't be criticised in the papers the next day," he added.

ICC's Umpire of the Year Aleem Dar echoed Bowden's views.

"I think it will help reduce the chances of mistakes made on the field. I support the introduction of this system as it is designed to help umpires. It is a tough job out there nowadays, and the review system is helpful for the umpires. It will be good for the game," said Dar.

The Indian cricket Board refused to enforce the system in the ongoing Test series with Sri Lanka, and South Africa too rejected it for their ongoing series against England.

The boards opposed to the system want the ICC to foot the bill for the technology needed to implement it.

The ICC approved the review system on a permanent basis in June after putting it on trial in four Test series.

Under the system, players can challenge close umpiring calls, a side can twice challenge an umpire's decision which is referred to the third umpire for adjudication.