May 08, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 2, 1429

DUBAI, May 7: Cricketers could soon be able to challenge decisions made by umpires during Test matches — the game’s topmost format.

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket Committee announced on Tuesday that a trial on an umpire review system will be used in a Test series this year, including the Hawk-Eye technology used in tennis.

Under the proposal, each team would be limited to a maximum of three unsuccessful challenges per innings. The on-field umpire would consult with the third umpire when a decision was challenged, before the on-field umpire gave the final decision.

“The committee recommended that the Hawk-Eye technology could be used by the third umpire, but only for the purposes of determining the actual path of the ball up until the point that it struck the batsman and not the predictor function of the technology,” the ICC said in a statement concerning leg-before-wicket challenges.

Hawk-Eye is already used by TV commentators in cricket.

The umpiring trial, which was approved by the ICC board in March, will be used in a Test series yet to be announced. Umpires will still refer line decisions or boundaries to the third umpire as normal.

The committee also stressed the importance of Test cricket amid a boom in Twenty20 competitions during its two-day meeting.

“It identified Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport and expressed the need for the best available participants to be involved in international cricket,” the ICC said.

It also wanted further investigation into the introduction of a Test league or periodic playoff for the top two sides in the Test rankings. Changes to playing conditions was also discussed.

The committee wants a crackdown on players using substitute fielders when they go to the bathroom.

“Substitute fielders should only be permitted in cases of injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons,” the ICC added.

“It was the opinion of the committee that “wholly acceptable reasons” should be limited to extreme circumstances and should not include what is commonly referred to as a comfort break.”

It further said that on-field umpires should still be allowed to consult the third umpire as to whether a catch has been taken cleanly before making the final decision.

The committee also wants to replace a bowl-out in the event of a tie in the world Twenty20 or Champions Trophy finals with a one-over-per-team playoff. If approved, the change will come into effect at this year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

All changes to playing conditions will have to be approved by the ICC’s chief executives’ committee and the ICC board. They both meet in Dubai on June 29.—AP