Snickometer added to Decision Review System toolbox for Ashes

The technology will be among the DRS options during the Ashes, after an agreement between host broadcaster Channel 9 and the developers of Snickometer was reached.

BRISBANE, Australia // Host broadcaster Channel 9 and developers of the real-time Snickometer have reportedly reached an agreement to include the technology among the Decision Review System tools available for umpires during the Ashes series.

Snickometer, previously used on TV broadcasts but not available to umpire reviews of disputed calls during tests, will join Hot Spot, Eagle-Eye ball tracking and stump microphones as part of the DRS technology package, a report on the Cricket Australia website said.

The report quoted Channel 9 executive producer of cricket Brad McNamara as saying the cricket boards of England and Australia agreed to use Snicko, which graphically represents ball touching bat, and the International Cricket Council would use the broadened DRS system for the Ashes series as a trial.

The last series in England was blighted by poor umpiring decisions, both on the field and on review by TV umpires, and confusion over the implementation of Hot Spot and audio technology.

McNamara said using Snicko as part of the DRS should enhance the TV coverage and cut down on incorrect umpiring decisions.

Australian Associated Press reported that Simon Taufel and Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s head of umpiring and general manager of operations, held a session with umpires Marais Erasmus, Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena at the Gabba on Tuesday. Taufel and Erasmus also briefed the Australia and England squads on the expanded DRS.