DUBAI: Cricket fans will soon be able to experience what their rugby counterparts enjoy after the game’s governing body decided to trial the broadcast of conversations between match officials for important decisions.

Viewers and spectators will be able to hear the consultations between the on-field and television umpires during the upcoming One-day International series between Australia and South Africa, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.

Cricket’s governing body said it would conduct a trial during the series, which starts in Perth on Friday, to make communication between umpires available to broadcaster Nine Network during decision-making.

“The umpire communications can be aired during umpire referrals, consultations and DRS [Decision Review System] player reviews,” the ICC said in a statement. “This initiative is part of ICC’s efforts to make umpiring more understandable to viewers and spectators.”

The ICC said if the trial was successful, it may consider allowing the broadcast of umpire discussions at ‘select matches’ during the Cricket World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand from February.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2014