Referential system regarding LBW decisions must be closely monitored - Francis and Abeynaike

By Ranjan ANANDAPPA

CRICKET: Former renowned Sri Lanka Test umpire K. T. Francis while welcoming the novel referential system that was implemented during the recent Sri Lanka-India Test series on a trial basis, was of the firm view that the system is very opportune in so much as borrowing the good out of it.

The 'Sunday Observer' sought the views of the former veteran umpire and also Ranil Abeynaike-reputed commentator and coach/curator in the current scenario where umpiring has become an increasingly big thorn to the authorities. It's no secret, decision making by umpires have caused much heartache to players.

"As far as I am concerned there is a good side as well a bad side of this new concept. So, one has to experiment and filter the good side of it. For example, Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal while playing the sweep shot in a Test match which brought his downfall. If not for the referential system, he wouln't have been given out because the umpire couldn't see whether the ball brushed his glove or not, contended Francis. But Francis felt that where the LBW is concerned, only the field umpire must consult the third umpire whether it was close to the leg stump or whether it pitched outside the leg stump or hit the bat first. The field umpire should give the verdict-that is my view where the LBW is concerned". Added Francis, the first Test umpire who stood in the inaugural Test match against England along with Herbie Felsinger in 1982.

"During my tenure as a Test umpire and attached to the Cricket Board when Duleep Mendis was the manager and Arjuna Ranatunga was the captain, we asked for some alterations from the ICC. One was the bump catch but the ICC disallowed it, but now they have permitted to refer to the third umpire to ascertain whether the catch was taken cleanly." he noted. Likewise, taking a new ball after 110 overs in case of the ball is needed to be changed due to some reason was a good thing. Previously, obtaining a ball of similar wear and tear was the done thing.

Francis said that though these proposals were put forward to the ICC years ago, the governing body (ICC) took a long time to give the nod.

He further said that the referral system should be reviewed. There may be others in domestic cricket,specially in England where most of the matches have been televised where the plus points could be taken and the minus factors dropped.

The former Sri Lankan Test umpire, who doesn't believe in criticizing an umpire, was disappointed over the standard of the West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove. " He was umpiring for a too longer period for nearly two months officiating in the five ODI series and the three - Test series. Continuous umpiring at the highest level could disturb one's concentration as all are human. Another plus point in the system is the relationship between the umpires and players will definitely improve because the players know what's happening."

Former Sri Lanka left-arm leg-spinner and commentator Ranil Abeynaike airing his views on the subject, said that the new referential system has helped, but the only concern is the LBW. "In LBW's what they are requesting must be restricted. One is, I think they give fifty percent if it is pitched outside the leg stump, but I feel, even if it is twenty five percent outside the leg stump, it must be taken as outside the leg stump. The other aspect is the distance. I do not think the distance they are giving is accurate enough.

So those two things should be scrapped off , the third umpire could be referred to make certain that the ball did not touch the bat prior to striking the pad in the case of an LBW" Abeynaike said and added. Overall the reference system is good provided that the third umpire should be absolutely certain in what he conveys to the on field umpire. One of the things that will happen is the benefit of the doubt to the batsman will get much less". Abeynaike said that the players have to change with times.

The other aspect is there should be a time frame in which the fielding side is allowed to appeal, because the batsmen are appealing quickly, while the fielding side is taking more time as they consult either the bowler or the wicket keeper.

There should be a specific amount of seconds given-may be twenty five or thirty seconds to refer.

This system will enable the players to know that they are getting the right decision.

These days cricket is such a professional sport so much of money and so much at stake the more you can get to that level the better it is.