3rd umpire Paul Wilson, with match referee Steve Bernard, Women’s’ World Cup Final 2017, Lord's. Full DRS Playing Conditions, using UltraEdge, with the use of a multi-screen.
In all formats of ICC matches a full ground inspection will be carried out before the game, normally the day before, to ensure everything is in place.
1. Familiarization with your working environment before commencement of the match is a crucial part of your preparation.
Locate the 3rd umpire room.
On arrival at the venue, your first duty should be to locate 3rd umpire room. Even if venue is familiar changes occur particularly from season to season.
Check equipment
Ensure all items are present and operating correctly:
Monitor (With ANB make sure that the live screen and the auto no ball screen are on the sides that you preferer, e.g., left, or right)
Controls - this is normally a panel supplied by the media provider, see the PowerPoint 3rd Umpire Environment
ICC iPad, or Hawkeye Tablet for DRS Timer and Data Input
Communication equipment (Make sure the link to the on-fielders is always available to you - sometimes when the ‘latch on’ occurs you may not be able to hear the on-field umpires)
Check room set up.
This is your office for 8 hours and you need to be comfortable and in the best position to adjudicate. That is why it is essential that a full inspection takes place the day before the match. Match Day is too late to begin reorgansing your workspace.
Your seating position should be such that you do not need to move in order to
Have the best vision of the ground.
Be comfortable to view monitor/multi-screen.
Be located with table or bench space to write notes and keep equipment
Be able to talk to the Director.
Do not be afraid to take charge of seating arrangements to ensure the above occurs - it is your room!
Also check room facilities for:
Air conditioner (or heater!)
Fridge (stocked with refreshments)
Toilet access
Contact/check appropriate personnel (outlined in more detail later)
TV Director - introduce/reintroduce yourself.
Scorers. Know where they are. If there are issues with communication equipment/phone you will need to know their physical location.
Determine your route to the room
Umpire’s changing room to the 3rd. Umpire’s room.
Familiarise yourself with most appropriate route from changing room.
Stairs may be better on match day than lift etc.
Make sure you allow enough time to arrive without getting flustered.
Most appropriate access to the field of play
Remember that if an on-field umpire is injured or becomes ill, you may need to take their place with minimum interruption to the game. Ensure you have your field kit with you, you may need it.
2. Preparation
Research
Knowledge of teams prior to match. This is mandatory, same as if officiating on field.
Knowledge of on-field umpires:
If not known ask others who may have umpired with them in the past, or
Have a pre-game discussion with them as to how they want to manage the game and what support they expect from you.
Any idiosyncrasies e.g.:
Poor counters,
“Charles in charge”
Dietary requirements
Weather forecast. You will be expected to know this.
Direct phone / radio contact to the curator may be a helpful resource too.
Duckworth/Lewis/Stern - who is responsible and where, for calculation and distribution of printed sheets to both teams? Ensure that they are signed by the match referee, or you (where there is no match referee) before they are given to the teams and before play recommences. Do not allow the game to recommence without the signed DLS sheets being given to both teams.
Catering - where, what, when?
Find whether there are any local venue policies or policies of the Governing Body (e.g., Security - see below) that are relevant.
KNOW THE SPECIFIC LAWS, PLAYING CONDITIONS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS THOROUGHLY
Security
Know security policy of Governing Body.
Keep your accreditation pass with you at all times.
Do not take a mobile phone into the umpires’ room or 3rd umpires’ box. Your mobile phone, if not left at the hotel, should be handed to the match referee, or relevant security person, on arrival at the ground. This is in accordance with Anti-Corruption Unit guidelines
Contacts
Know how to contact important personnel:
Umpire change rooms
Scorers
Ground staff
TV director
Obtain an internal phone list before the match starts and make sure that all these numbers work.
Make sure the phone in the room works too.
Duties
Decisions
Run outs.
Stumpings.
Hit Wicket.
Obstruction
Boundaries.
Catches
DRS reviews: See Decision Review System (DRS) and Third Umpire Protocol in the almanac.
On-field Assistance
Back up your on-field colleagues by assisting them wherever you can from off the field.
Check ball count:
Helps you stay in touch with the match.
Do not rely on the TV, e.g., fruit machine, you need to physically count the balls per over yourself.
If there is any confusion as to the number of balls bowled in an over, check with the scorers before reverting to the on-field umpires.
Record overs bowled by bowlers.
Inform the on-field umpires when a bowler reaches, or is about to reach, his allocation.
Note times for:
Substitutions
Delays and stoppages
We are now moving to a data-input system using an iPad/tablet showing the live state of match timings. You will work with your ICC coach prior to appointment to achieve fluency with this technology. The engineer appointed to DRS matches will also assist in ensuring you are confident and competent in the use of this technology.
Even though the data is being entered on the relevant technology, it is advisable that a hard copy be kept in case of any glitches with the technology.
The on-field umpires should do it also but sometimes they have other more pressing issues to deal with. Delays and stoppages are important for later discussion when it comes to assessing slow over rates. The on-field umpires should also be recording these times, but could possibly, at times, miss an event due to their handling other occurrences on-field. When noting these occurrences in the timings sheet, it is essential that they be immediately confirmed with the on-field umpires and the match referee.
Watch for field restriction infringements:
Other infringements - be vigilant.
Incidents may need to be discussed post-match for possible report:
Ball tampering
Player behaviour issues
Note any incidents on TV footage:
Record over number and time code on video, players involved.
Use video recording obtained from the media provider or discussion and possible reporting. Support the on-field umpires if a report is to be lodged.
3. Relationship and Communication with On-field Umpires
Courtesies
Be aware of on-field official’s idiosyncrasies.
Allow for heavy accents.
you both may need to speak slowly for clarity.
Check 2-way communications before or as colleagues take the field for every session.
Participate in warm-up and warm-down activities.
Respect the space of the on-field umpires. A calm and relaxed environment is essential.
Be Aware Before Speaking
Remember who is around on-field umps before communicating.
Particularly important when addressing bowlers end umpire with a delicate message that the square-leg umpire does not have fielder close by or vice versa (or even the 4th umpire). Particularly important - when addressing the bowler’s end umpire with a delicate message, ensure that the square-leg umpire does not have a fielder close by or vice versa (or even the 4th umpire).
Be Proactive
Be pro-active where required without being intrusive.
Keep the communication until the end of the over unless it is necessary to make immediate contact. Consider contact after the first ball of the next over in noisy stadiums. Between overs there is a possibility of a very noisy environment due to PA music etc.
Stay ahead of the game where possible e.g.,
Remind umpires about power play over.
Bowler limit reached.
Substitute returning to field.
Confirm ‘One over the shoulder’ if necessary.
For close boundary calls let on-field umpires know you are having a look before they must ask you to do so - this will help with the flow of game. Ensure the ball is dead before you communicate e.g., your on-field colleague may be preparing for a potential run out.
Relationship and Communication with Broadcaster
Prepare
Meet the Director:
Meet with the Director prior to game particularly if you have not worked together before. Explain to the director that there are certain protocols and routines that you must adhere to when introducing a decision. This is an expectation from the ICC.
View/visit the Outside Broadcast Unit (OBU)
Get an insight into the Director’s office.
You will understand why he sounds stressed when you are communicating with him.
It might not always be possible to visit the OBU (Due to bio-secure environments). If not, there are videos that will familiarize you as to the layout of the Director’s desk.
Check communication device/s.
At the very least call the Director on the communication device located in 3rd. Umpires’ room when doing a pre-match inspection of the facility.
Know where cameras are located and what is available - ask the Director and you will receive a camera map (Usually available for the Director’s crew):
Stump cameras
Elevated positions
Tools available
How long it takes to get a zoom, or a split screen? Etc.
Decision making
Be precise and clear when asking the Director for a particular camera angle. For example, ‘Do you have an angle from the other side or from behind the keeper?’ etc.
Ask the Director for all available footage. Do not rush your decision without seeing all the evidence. You may need to look at vision from a different angle.
Ask the Director for as many replays as you require - within reason.
4. Using the Equipment
Monitors
Size. This will vary - from something resembling a caravan sized TV to a wide screen model which just fits into your room. You may also have a multi-screen which incorporates other screens. (See the PowerPoint ‘3rd Umpire Environments’).
Picture. Make sure that your picture is clear and clean before the match begins.
If you have a problem during play, notify the on-field umpires that the system is down and call the Director for assistance. In a DRS game an engineer will be in the room with you (HawkEye or Crescent Communication engineer)
Sound. Some monitors will have sound and others not.
Make sure the volume is turned off when adjudicating so that commentator’s views do not influence your processes or outcomes.
Communication
On-Field Umpires
Through 2-way radio
Check your radios work before leaving the umpires’ changing room.
Director
Usually via a comms box with microphone attached, or a headset. (See 3rd Umpire Environment PowerPoint)
Volume controls are usually set by the engineer on installation.
Ensure this is checked pre-match.
Others
You may need to use the landline in the room.
Ensure this is checked pre-match.
Some broadcasters have a designated radio used by the 3rd umpire in case of emergencies.
5. Decision Making and Playing Conditions
Initial reaction
An adrenalin rush will occur when the on-field umpire signals to you (that is normal).
Take a deep breath.
Take your time. It is normal for the TV to want to finish with the decision as quickly as possible. Fight this urge and go through your routines methodically.
Think clearly.
Acknowledge the on-field umpire’s referral by repeating what is being reviewed and what the original decision or soft signal is.
Decision process
Slow down and think rationally - however:
Do not second guess yourself.
Sometimes a reasonably straight forward decision can be complicated by you looking for too much for more information. Get the facts you need and make your decision.
Do not attempt to piece together parts of the jig saw puzzle which make up the decision-making process:
Example: Frame 1 shows partial removal of bail with the batsman marginally short of her ground, next frame has the batsman home with bail totally removed. Sometime between frames the batsman may have been short of her ground but based on what you are presented with, the benefit of doubt has to go to the batsman as per the “Golden Rule”.
Have clear video evidence to justify your decision.
Do not make your decision without seeing all the evidence.
Example: Initial shot may show batsman short of his ground in a run out situation, but are you sure that the stumps were broken correctly? You may need to look at a different angle if the keeper/fielder has his back to you. This may be precisely the reason the on-field umpire sent decision up to you because you may have vision that he does not.
Ask for all available footage/replays - within reason.
You may need to look at vision from a different angle.
Ask the Director “Is that everything that you have?”
Ask him twice and if he says “Yes”, then it makes it very hard for him to later show something to the viewers that he did not show you at time. It is also a good way to transfer pressure when you are not getting the angles that you require to make the decision.
Stick with replays that show you what you need to..
Do not fall into the trap of going over old ground with useless replays as this will only confuse you in the end - stick with the replays that show you where the batsman is when the wicket is broken and how the wicket was broken - everything else is useless.
Be Ready
Expect a stumping every ball when the keeper is up to the stumps.
Expect a run out every ball especially in the later stages of a limited over game when the batting side have wickets in hand.
Playing Conditions
KNOW THE SPECIFIC LAWS, PLAYING CONDITIONS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS THOROUGHLY
Make sure you are fully conversant with the Laws of Cricket and appropriate playing conditions. Particularly things like Law 29 ‘The wicket is down’. This will be critical with frame - by - frame vision.
When ruling on a run out, the 3rd umpire also has to satisfy himself that ALL aspects of Law 38 have been satisfied before giving the batsman out.
With a catch referral the on-field umpire will give a ‘soft signal’ This is not a decision by the on-field umpire. (In a player review there has been a definite decision made by the on-field umpire), A soft signal is an opinion. Ensure that you have conclusive evidence before you make a decision for the big screen. Freeze the action at the right spot that allows the picture to sell the decision for you.
6. Mental Skills and Managing Emotional State
Emotional state is very different from on-field umpiring
You will feel divorced from ebbs and flow of match. You will have to work harder to stay involved in the game so that you have the ability to read the game and anticipate the action as it unfolds.
Do not become a spectator.
Your environment will lull you into this state if you are not careful.
Post-lunch is a danger period.
Heart rate will accelerate from 50 to 150 as soon as TV sign is made by colleagues. Need to remain calm to adjudicate correctly and promptly.
Be prepared for visitors - sometimes unwanted e.g., Aggrieved Coach.
Be prepared so that you can think clearly and act promptly.
Accuracy is paramount but do not second guess. As with on-field decisions base your decision on facts.
Do not be influenced by the knowledge that sometime after you give your decision the Director could uncover another shot /angle.
A magnified zoom shot that is shown to viewers may take several minutes to formulate and may not be available to the 3rd umpire when making his decision. Try and get a commitment from the Director pre-match not to show any other footage after a decision is made that was not made available to you at the time.
7. On Field Umpire - Duties, Role, Relationship and Communication with 3rd Umpire
Need to have unqualified faith in 3rd umpire colleague.
Send up anything that requires assistance - no heroics!
Over-caution, however, will undermine credibility.
Supply the 3rd umpire with as much information as possible. The type of dismissal being referred, along with the original decision, is essential.
Once a decision has been sent upstairs, leave the 3rd umpire in peace to do his job.
It is annoying and distracting trying to carry on a conversation with the on-field umpires whilst talking to the Director and view replays. There may be another aspect of the referral that the on-field umpire wants to have checked particularly e.g., Breaking of the wicket.
RELEVANT LAWS
Law 29 (The wicket is down)
1. Wicket put down
(a) The wicket is put down if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or a stump is struck out of the ground by
(i) the ball.
(ii) the striker's bat, whether he is holding it or has let go of it.
(iii) the striker's person or by any part of his clothing or equipment becoming detached from his person.
(iv) a fielder, with his hand or arm, providing that the ball is held in the hand or hands so used, or in the hand of the arm so used.
The wicket is also put down if a fielder pulls a stump out of the ground in the same manner.
(b) The disturbance of a bail, whether temporary or not, shall not constitute its complete removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail in falling lodges between two of the stumps this shall be regarded as complete removal.
[The use of Zing bails is not discussed in the Laws. Zing wickets and Zing bails are a recent innovation in the game and the 3rd umpire is advised that when the bails light up - this is conclusive evidence that the bail/bails has/have been completely removed from the top of the stumps (The wicket is considered put down if one or both BAILS light up, not the stumps. They are two different connections). The 3rd umpire will freeze the action when the bails light, whilst looking at the relative position of the bat, or the batsman’s person e.g., foot. The 3rd umpire is advised to ensure that the bails do not fall back into place after they have lit.]
2. One bail off
If one bail is off, it shall be sufficient for the purpose of putting the wicket down to remove the remaining bail, or to strike or pull any of the three stumps out of the ground, in any of the ways stated in 1 above.
3. Remaking the wicket
If the wicket is broken or put down while the ball is in play, the umpire shall not remake the wicket until the ball is dead. See Law 20 (Dead ball). Any fielder, however, may
(i) replace a bail or bails on top of the stumps.
(ii) put back one or more stumps into the ground where the wicket originally stood.
4. Dispensing with bails
If the umpires have agreed to dispense with bails, in accordance with Law 8.5 (Dispensing with bails), the decision as to whether the wicket has been put down is one for the umpire concerned to decide.
(a) After a decision to play without bails, the wicket has been put down if the umpire concerned is satisfied that the wicket has been struck by the ball, by the striker's bat, person, or items of his clothing or equipment separated from his person as described in 1(a)(ii) or 1(a)(iii) above, or by a fielder with the hand holding the ball or with the arm of the hand holding the ball.
(b) If the wicket has already been broken or put down, (a) above shall apply to any stump or stumps still in the ground. Any fielder may replace a stump or stumps, in accordance with 3 above, in order to have an opportunity of putting the wicket down.
Law 35 (Hit wicket)
1. Out Hit wicket
(a) The striker is out Hit wicket if, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride and while the ball is in play, his wicket is put down either by the striker's bat or by his person as described in Law 29.11.2 to 29.11.4 (Wicket put down) either
(i) in the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery, or
(ii) in setting off for his first run immediately after playing, or playing at, the ball, or
(iii) if he makes no attempt to play the ball, in setting off for his first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire this is immediately after he has had the opportunity of playing the ball, or
(iv) in lawfully making a second or further stroke for the purpose of guarding his wicket within the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
(b) If the striker puts his wicket down in any of the ways described in Law 28.1(a)(ii) and (iii) (Wicket put down) before the bowler has entered his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball.
2. Not out Hit wicket
Notwithstanding 1 above, the batsman is not out under this Law should his wicket be put down in any of the ways referred to in 1 above if
(a) it occurs after he has completed any action in receiving the delivery, other than in 1(a)(ii), (iii) or (iv) above.
(b) it occurs when he is in the act of running, other than in setting off immediately for his first run.
(c) it occurs when he is trying to avoid being run out or stumped.
(d) it occurs while he is trying to avoid a throw-in at any time.
(e) the bowler, after entering his delivery stride, does not deliver the ball. In this case either umpire shall immediately call and signal Dead ball. See Law 20.4 (Umpire calling and signaling Dead ball).
(f) the delivery is a No ball.
Law 38 (Run out)
1. Out Run out
(a) Either batsman is out Run out, except as in 2 below, if at any time while the ball is in play
(i) he is out of his ground, and
(ii) his wicket is fairly put down by the opposing side.
(b) (a) above shall apply even though No ball has been called and whether or not a run is being attempted, except in the circumstances of Law 39.3(b) (Not out Stumped).
2. Batsman not Run out
Notwithstanding 1 above, a batsman is not out Run out if
(a) he has been within his ground and has subsequently left it to avoid injury when the wicket is put down.
(b) the ball has not subsequently been touched again by a fielder, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride before the wicket is put down.
(c) the ball, having been played by the striker, or having come off his person, directly strikes a helmet worn by a fielder and without further contact with him or any other fielder rebounds directly on to the wicket. However, the ball remains in play and either batsman may be Run out in the circumstances of 1 above if a wicket is subsequently put down.
(d) he is out Stumped. See Law 39.1(b) (Out Stumped).
(e) he is out of his ground, not attempting a run and his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket- keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side if No ball has been called. See Law 39.3(b) (Not out Stumped).
3. Which batsman is out
The batsman out in the circumstances of 1 above is the one whose ground is at the end where the wicket is put down. See Law 30.2 (Which is a batsman's ground).
Law 39 (Stumped)
39.1 Out Stumped
39.1.1 The striker is out Stumped, except as in clause 39.3, if a ball which is delivered is not called No ball and he is out of his ground, other than as in clause 39.3.1 and he has not attempted a run.
when his wicket is fairly put down by the wicketkeeper without the intervention of another fielder. Note, however clause 27.3 (Position of wicketkeeper).
39.1.2 The striker is out Stumped if all the conditions of clause 39.1.1 are satisfied, even though a decision of Run out would be justified.
39.2 Ball rebounding from wicket-keeper’s person
If the wicket is put down by the ball, it shall be regarded as having been put down by the wicketkeeper if the ball rebounds on to the stumps from any part of the wicket-keeper’s person or equipment or has been kicked or thrown on to the stumps by the wicketkeeper.
39.3 Not out Stumped.
39.3.1 The striker will not be out Stumped if, after having received the delivery, he has left his ground in order to avoid injury.
39.3.2 If the striker is not out Stumped, he may, except in the circumstances of clause 38.2.2.2 (Batsman not out run out) be out Run out if the conditions of clause 38.1 (Out Run out) apply.
ICC 3rd Umpire Expectations
Expectations of On-Field Umpires
The role of the 3rd Umpire is becoming increasingly important in International cricket. They have the responsibility of reporting breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct and of supporting the work of the on-field Umpires. Below are some expectations that all 3rd Umpires should be aware of when undertaking the role. It is also assumed that you have read and understood the Training Document - ‘Role of the 3rd Umpire’.
Pre-Match
Participate in PCT discussions, pre series meeting, ground inspection and attending net practice with the on-field umpires. 3rd umpire simulations are a vital part of match preparation. A pre-match simulation is a ‘net session’ for the 3rd umpire. Fourth umpires are also expected to undertake simulations as a routine aspect of their duties.
Assist on field Umpires with monitoring local weather conditions - likelihood of interruptions and suggested course of action.
Provide the on-field Umpires with any local knowledge about the ground or facilities that will make their officiating on game day easier. Suggested items are, but not limited to, sightscreens, scoreboard, ground clock, location of scorers, location of ground staff, access to Umpires’ room and players’ dressing rooms.
Discuss and agree with on-field Umpires their preferred methods and timing of communication. What the on-field Umpires want the 3rd Umpire to record and watch out for. Also, what phrases to use and what to specifically say when they see vision on TV for issues like bad player behaviour, ball tampering or close boundary calls.
Participate in any warmup exercises or match preparation functions that the on-field Umpires undertake, if possible, seen to be part of the team.
During the Match
Count the balls per over yourself by using your counter and the manual recording sheet. Do not rely upon TV, the fruit machine or phone calls to the scorers. The 3rd Umpire must be ready and able to respond to queries when asked - how many balls left in the over? However, if there is any confusion as to the number of balls bowled in an over, check with the scorers before reverting to the on-field umpires.
In ODIs - to record overs bowled per bowler - record over numbers bowled by each bowler on the form supplied by ICC Match Referee.
Record name and time of any player leaving the field, the time that they return and confirm with on field Umpires when they would be able to bat or bowl at the appropriate time. E.g., End of the next over - confirm with on field Umpires.
Record ALL delays and stoppages. Although the ICC Match Referee may also keep this information, the 3rd Umpire must also record unusual delays and stoppages in case there is a Code of Conduct hearing into slow over rates. The 3rd Umpire must cross reference these timings with the ICC Match Referee and agree on the totals.
In DRS matches, operate the DRS timer when the ball becomes dead after a ‘not out’ decision, immediately after an ‘out’ decision.
In DRS matches, input required data into the iPad, or Tablet, provided.
Record any incident and communicate it to the on-field Umpires when appropriate. The 3rd Umpire may recommend to the on-field Umpires that they speak with a player who may have said something to another or who’s actions do not look appropriate on TV. The 3rd Umpire may see TV replays that show behaviour the on-field Umpires could not see and could advise action to be taken to prevent a problem escalating into a possible breach later.
Communicate with the on-field umpires in a clear and precise manner.
Post-Match
Support the on-field Umpires if there is a Report to be lodged or incident to be reviewed. It is expected that the 3rd Umpire contributes to discussions relating to reports, and alerts colleagues to the level of breaches and contributes to the writing of reports as well. If it is a Code of Conduct Report from video evidence, then it is expected that the 3rd Umpire initiates the Report, lead the charge but the 3rd Umpire written report should be co-signed by all umpires in the PCT.
Participate in any warm down exercises, if possible, that the on-field umpires undertake.
DRS Matches
Before being appointed to a DRS match you will take part in a number of detailed simulations with your ICC Umpire Coach (Using Teams/Zoom/Skype).
The screen grab left shows Vrinda Rathi, BCCI Development Panel, taking part in an online simulation with her ICC coach.
These simulations will cover all forms of dismissal, as well as double reviews from the same delivery. They will cover the communication protocols that you will be expected to use in a DRS match, and they will emphasise the crucial, supportive role that the 3rd umpire has in ensuring that the match is well-managed. You will find a detailed list of your review duties and protocols in the relevant appendices of our almanacs:
Pages 151 - 173 of the ICC Match Officials’ World Test Championship Almanac 2020/21
Pages 148 - 170 of the ICC Match Officials’ Cricket World Cup Super League Playing Conditions,
incorporating auto no ball technology (ANB)
Pages 140 - 165 of the ICC Match Officials’ T20I Playing Conditions Almanac 2020/21
You will take part in simulations using UltraEdge, HotSpot, and Real Time Snicko, Automatic No Ball, whichever is applicable to the series you will be involved in, as well as simulating the use of the DRS counter, and the ICC iPad/Tablet data input screens:
DRS timer used in matches.
Timer appearing simultaneously on the big screen.
Above, 3rd Umpire Jacqueline Williams on duty in a match using ANB.
Additional Duties in a match using Auto No Ball technology:
Appendix H (from the almanacs)
3RD UMPIRE - MONITORING FAIRNESS OF FRONT FOOT PROTOCOL - JULY 2020
Introduction
The 3rd Umpire is charged with the responsibility of monitoring the fairness of delivery (front foot) for each delivery. This document sets out a standardized process and clear guidelines related to monitoring the fairness of the front foot on every delivery. The material will assist with a consistent approach by using accurate and efficient communication.
The document is a supplement and should be read in conjunction with the TV Umpire Communication Protocols, TV Umpire Conclusive Evidence Protocol, WTC, CWC Super League and T20I Playing Conditions.
Protocols
The below elements are necessary for all front foot monitoring situations.
1. On-Field Umpire
The On-Field Umpire is not to call any front foot No-Balls without the advice of the 3rd Umpire unless the side on cameras are unavailable (the 3rd Umpire is to advise 'bowler's end umpire immediately).
The On-Field Umpire can still watch the front foot placement as part of the regular umpiring routine - there is no forced implication to have to watch something else. (i.e., The Umpire can still see where the foot lands to know how close the bowler has delivered the ball to the stumps).
The On-Field Umpire will make decisions like LBW/Caught/Leg Byes/Boundaries/Wides in the usual way.
On receipt of an eligible and timely request for a Player Review, the On-Field Umpire will make the sign of a television with his/her hands in the usual way. However, if at the moment of the Player Review, the third Umpire is still assessing the legitimacy of the delivery under Law 21.5, the sign will be delayed until the 3rd Umpire has advised that he/she is satisfied with the fairness of the front foot.
If a late no ball is communicated, the On-Field Umpire will revoke an 'out' decision and call and signal No Ball once advised he/she is on screen by the TV umpire.
The On-Field Umpire will need to adjust his/her position, e.g., move to stand on the line of bowler's run-up, when he/she is advised that the TV Umpire is checking the fairness of delivery to ensure play does not continue, particularly for slow bowlers.
The On-Field Umpire will need to introduce with clarity any player referral i.e., what type of decision (LBW or caught), what the original decision was and what needs checking) as the 3rd Umpire may not be in a position to see the live delivery.
The On-Field umpires will need to communicate when there is a delay or stoppage to the play worthy of an allowance, again in case the 3rd Umpire may have missed it.
The On-Field Umpire should consider just delaying the call of 'over' if the last delivery is tight, as the 3rd Umpire may come through with a 'no-ball 'call' or 'checking front foot, to prevent players being called back into position for another delivery.
With other signals already given - e.g., boundaries, byes, leg byes, over - add the No-Ball signal and repeat any other signals for clarity and completeness.
2. 3rd Umpire
The 3rd Umpire will work very closely with the ICC Technician in the front foot monitoring aspects of the role. The ICC Technician will provide the vision of the front foot landing for the 3rd Umpire from both side-on angles.
The 3rd Umpire will use technology to monitor every delivery bowled concerning front foot fairness. The ICC Technician will be able to zoom up the front foot when requested by the 3rd Umpire in a close checking situation.
The 3rd Umpire will activate the countdown clock following an appeal (once ball is dead). As soon as possible, the fairness of delivery or if checking the front foot should be conveyed to the On-Field Umpire. This will influence the processing of player reviews.
The 3rd Umpire will advise the On-Field Umpire that the front foot is being checked for tight landings after the ball is dead- 'checking front foot. Once confirmed, advise On-Field accordingly.
The 3rd Umpire will always confirm the fairness of delivery (or otherwise) at an obvious dismissal, e.g., Bowled, caught, On-Field 'out' stumping decision.
The 3rd Umpire will call No Ball through to the On-Field Umpire if there is a front foot infringement, once the ball is dead.
The 3rd Umpire will apply conclusive evidence protocols as they do currently, and any benefit of the doubt is with the bowler.
The 3rd Umpire will advise the On-Field Umpire to call No ball through the Umpire's communication system and ensure the Umpire is on-screen before signaling.
Should at any time a technology failure prevents the 3rd Umpire from making a decision, the delivery shall be assumed to be fair, and the bowler's end Umpire should be advised that, until rectified, he should apply Law 21.5.
If the side-on camera goes down mid-run-up, the 3rd Umpire will advise Dead Ball. Then inform the On-Field Umpire to judge/call front foot as usual.
The 3rd Umpire needs to be aware of the end of over routine to ensure the right side on camera view is on screen for the front foot landing for the next over (co-operation with ICC Technician).
When the 3rd Umpire is processing a Player or Umpire Review, he/she should say following the introduction to the Director …. 'I have already checked, and it is a fair 'delivery' or words to that effect. This maintains integrity in the process and reiterates that it is the 3rd Umpire who is still checking the fairness of front foot delivery.
3. The Process of Consultation
On receipt of an eligible and timely request for a Player Review, the On-Field Umpire will make the sign of a television with his hands in the usual way. However, if at the moment of the Player Review, the 3rd Umpire is still assessing the legitimacy of the delivery under Law 21.5 the sign will be delayed until the 3rd Umpire has advised that he is satisfied with the fairness of the front foot.
The 3rd Umpire should initially check whether the delivery is fair (all modes of No-Ball, except for front foot not behind the popping crease (since already checked) and (the bowler using an illegal action, [for clarity, a specific type of banned delivery can be reviewed and called No-Ball]) where appropriate advising the On-Field Umpire accordingly.
4. No-Balls
Following any mode of dismissal that is not permitted off a No-Ball and which is not the subject of an Umpire or Player Review, if the On-Field Umpire is uncertain as to the fairness of the delivery, he shall be entitled to request the batsman to delay leaving the field and to check the fairness of the delivery (all modes of No-Ball except for front foot not behind the popping crease (since already checked), and (the bowler using an illegal action, [for clarity, a specific type of banned delivery can be reviewed and called No-Ball]) with the 3rd Umpire. Consultation with the 3rd Umpire shall be by way of two-way radio. If the delivery was not fair, the On-Field Umpire should indicate that the batsman is not-out and signal no-ball.
Points to Reiterate:
Following a dismissal - On-Field umpires are entitled to check other forms of No balls - back foot, above the waist, field restrictions, encroachments by 'fielders or wicket-keeper etc.
Once the 3rd Umpire advises a front foot no-ball, and should a dismissal have resulted from that delivery, any runs completed before the dismissal became effective, shall not count together with the run that has been crossed.
The ball is to be considered dead from the first dismissal, which could later be revoked by the discovery of the no-ball. Any actions or runs attempted after the first dismissal will not be considered should the ball be then judged as a no-ball.
Should the On-Field umpires initiate a request for a no-ball check (other than a front foot), then If a No-ball is called following the check by the 3rd Umpire, the batting side shall benefit from the reversal of the dismissal and the one run for the No-ball but shall not benefit from any runs that may subsequently have accrued from the delivery had the On-Field Umpire originally called a No-ball. Where the batsmen crossed while the ball was in the air before being caught, the batsmen shall remain at the same ends as if the striker had been dismissed, but no runs shall be credited to the striker even if one (or more) runs were completed before the catch being taken.
Should a wide be called On-Field which is later judged to be a No-ball by 3rd Umpire - The No-ball will override the wide, and the batting side will incur the benefits of the No-ball after the wide is revoked.
3rd umpire simulations are an integral element of Elite Panel, International Panel, and Development Panel activities.
All our umpires are expected to take a full and active part in 3rd umpire simulations on a regular basis.
Janani Narayanan, BCCI Development Panel, in a simulation activity using Skype.
Alex Wharf, ECB International Panel, in a simulation activity using Zoom.
The ECB International Panel, in a group simulation activity on the day before an ODI, using Skype.
Richard Illingworth, Emirates Elite Panel, in a simulation activity on the day before a Test, using Skype.
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