TV Umpire to call front-foot no-balls in England-Pakistan Test series

For the first time, the TV umpires will be calling the front-foot no-balls in Test cricket during England’s three-match series against Pakistan. The opening Test is set to get underway on Wednesday, August 5 in Manchester and the technology will be assessed to see whether or not it can be used for the future matches.

It has been learned that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will be forwarding the results of the trial to the chief executive committee. Thereafter, it will be determined whether it can be used on a more consistent basis in the ongoing World Test Championship.

England and Pakistan keen to use the technology

“Front foot no ball technology to be used in ICC World Test Championship series featuring England and Pakistan, with the support of both teams. Performance of the technology in these Tests will be reviewed before any decisions taken on its future use in Test cricket,” the ICC said in a tweet.

As per reports in ESPNcricinfo, the same technology has been used in previous ICC events, including the World Cup Super League recently. The required equipments are already in the United Kingdom (UK) and both Pakistan and England were keen to use it. The TV umpires, within seconds, will be able to transfer the message to the on-field umpire.

In the recent past, the umpires have constantly come under the scanner for missing out on calling no-balls. Only after the replays it was seen that bowlers used to overstep on a consistent basis. Back in 2018 during England’s tour of Sri Lanka, the broadcasters counted as many as 12 missed no-balls during a five-over spell.

Thereafter, last year during Australia’s Test series against Pakistan, Channel 7 brought out 21 no-balls missed during couple of sessions on the second day of the Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. Even in the recently-concluded three-match series between England and the West Indies, the umpires made some major goof-ups.

Cricket, of late, has been a witness to a number of changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ICC has put forth guidelines, regarding the usage of saliva and plenty of other things. As far Pakistan’s tour is concerned, they will also play three T20Is apart from the three Tests.