ICC to investigate review controversy
Cricket’s governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) is
to launch a formal investigation into the controversy over the
television review system that erupted during the fourth Test between
South Africa and England at the Wanderers Stadium.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said a letter of complaint had been
received from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and an
investigation would be held after the Test.
England complained after television umpire Daryl Harper failed to
overturn a not out decision against South African captain Graeme Smith
on Friday because Harper allegedly failed to turn up the sound on an
audio feed from the stump microphone.
According to an ECB statement, “In the ECB and the England team
management’s view, the agreed protocol was not implemented and the sound
was not turned up on review.
“As a result a TV replay which indicated that bat had made contact
with ball was heard by millions of television viewers but not by the
match control team.”
Lorgat said the exact circumstances would be investigated.
“There is a large amount of controversy, speculation and potentially
unfair criticism circulating at present so it is important to establish
the exact facts before reaching any final conclusions.
“This is early days for the Decision Review System and so far we are
pleased with its effectiveness and the value it can add to the game in
support of umpires. “However, we have always acknowledged there is room
for further improvement in the available technology and this
investigation will be conducted in that light so the system becomes even
more reliable.” The England Cricket Board on Saturday announced it had
demanded a reinstatement of the review the England team lost when
television umpire Daryl Harper made a ‘gross error’ in rejecting an
appeal against South African captain Graeme Smith. But England had used
up their second and final review and the South African innings was
complete before the ICC responded.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama earlier issued a statement defending
Harper, saying the umpire followed the correct protocol in upholding a
not out decision by on-field umpire Tony Hill when Smith was on 15
during the second day’s play on Friday. Smith went on to make 105.
Mahanama denied telling England coach Andy Flower that Harper had
failed to adjust the volume of an audio feed from the stump microphone.
JOHANNESBURG, Sunday, AFP |
