Front-foot no-balls will be called by the third umpire in the upcoming limited-overs leg of India against West Indies. The ICC said that the decision will not rest with the on-field officials during the game.
The latest statement released by the ICC read, “Throughout the trial, the Third Umpire will be responsible for monitoring every ball bowled and identifying whether there has been any front foot infringement.“
It is to be noted that dismissals on no-balls have been the turning points in most of the games this year. The problem reached its peak particularly during the World Cup season where fans were left frustrated by umpiring blunders.
” If there has been an infringement on the front foot, the Third Umpire will communicate this to the On-Field Umpire who will subsequently call a no-ball. As a result, the On-Field Umpire will not call a front foot no-ball without the advice of the Third Umpire,” said the statement.
This is just a trial system and depending upon its success/failure, ICC will be thinking to implement it in the near future.
The Face-off
The series comprises of three T20I”s and ODI”s and spans over a period of two weeks.
The series turned out to be a one to watch as the visitors were winless during their home season a few months ago. It will be interesting to see who comes out on the top.
The emergence of new rules is also expected to play its part during the series. If successful and found to have minimal disruptions during the game, fans will be looking forward to its permanent implementation by the ICC.
