The DRS is a technology-based system in cricket. DRS Full Form is Decision Review System and it helps umpires make better decisions during matches. When on-field umpires are unsure about a call, they can ask for help from the third umpire. This is called an Umpire Review. Players can also ask the third umpire to review a decision made by the on-field umpires. This is called a Player Review.
The DRS was first introduced in July 2008, during India’s Test series in Sri Lanka. The LBW decision against former India batsman Virender Sehwag marked the first instance of a decision being overturned under the DRS.
The DRS was officially implemented in Test cricket in 2009, but it became mandatory in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2011 and in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in 2017.
Over the years, T20 leagues too adopted the use of the DRS. During the play-offs of the 2017 season, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) became the first T20 tournament to implement the DRS. The Indian Premier League (IPL) implemented it from 2018.
Since its inception, the number of reviews allowed for a team in all three formats has changed. In the longest format, each team can make three unsuccessful player reviews per innings. However, in white-ball formats, each team is limited to only two DRS calls per innings.
DRS calls can only be initiated by the fielding captain or the batsman who has been dismissed by the on-field umpire. They signal for a review by forming a ‘T’ with their hands. Teams get 15 seconds to decide whether to use DRS after the on-field umpire’s decision.
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Main Technology Used in the DRS
Ultra Edge
This technology uses audio and visual aids to detect whether the ball has made contact with the bat or pad before being caught. Behind the batsman, there are stump microphones, along with cameras positioned around the stadium, monitoring the ball’s movement and the sounds it produces. When the ball hits the bat, a distinctive sound is captured by the microphone near the wicket and displayed on the tracking screen.
Hot Spot
This is an infrared imaging system often used to determine if the ball has made contact with the bat or pad. Hot Spot relies on two infrared cameras placed on opposite sides of the ground
Hawkeye
This system uses complex algorithms to predict the path of the ball and its likely impact on the stumps.
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Benefits of DRS in Cricket
The Decision Review System (DRS) has been a huge addition to cricket and has played a major role in cricket rulings. It has enhanced the sport and has underscored the importance of technology in cricket.
Here are the few key benefits of DRS in cricket:
Increased Accuracy
DRS makes use of high technology and it has been able to increase and enhance accuracy and transparency in cricket. It has also played a huge role in ensuring right decisions are made and has eliminated incorrect judgments.
Ensuring Fairness
DRS has also maintained the integrity and fairness of cricket. It has allowed players to request a review if they do believe that a decision has gone against them.
Enhanced Player Confidence
Since players know that they can review their decisions, they play with the feeling that any decision might be challenged and it could have an impact on the game.
Games Are Less Controversial
With DRS, there has been a sense of level-playing field since teams across the board get more correct and fair decisions. It has reduced howlers and controversies and hence, there is a level playing field.
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Components of DRS
There are several components of Decision Review System (DRS) and these include:Â
- Ball Tracking Technology (Hawk-Eye): Hawk-Eye uses multiple cameras to track the path of the ball. It predicts the trajectory of the ball after it strikes the batsman’s pad or bat, helping to determine the path it would have taken if not obstructed. This is used primarily for LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decisions.
- UltraEdge: UltraEdge uses audio sensors to detect the sound of the ball hitting the bat or pad. It helps to determine whether there was an edge from the bat before the ball was caught by the wicketkeeper or fielder.
- Hot Spot: Hot Spot technology uses infrared cameras to detect heat generated by the friction when the ball hits the bat or pad. It helps to identify whether the ball made contact with the bat or pad, especially useful for faint edges.
- Snickometer: Snickometer uses audio sensors and microphones that helps in detecting sound and measure the time delay between the sound of the ball passing the bat and hitting the pad or glove.
- Virtual Replays: Virtual replays provide a 3D representation of the ball’s path and its impact on the batsman or fielder. It helps while reviewing close calls such as catches and LBW decisions.
- Umpire’s Call: Umpire’s Call is a component that refers to the part of the decision that remains with the on-field umpire’s original decision.
Umpire’s Call in the DRS
Another interesting aspect of the DRS is Umpire’s Call. In 2016, the ICC added Umpire’s Call to the DRS. This means if an LBW decision is uncertain on certain aspects, like where the ball pitched or its projected path, the on-field umpire’s decision stays. If the umpire’s call is made, the team that requested the review doesn’t lose it. Umpire’s Call was added to the DRS to give on-field umpires the benefit of the doubt for close LBW calls.
In Test cricket, each team is granted two reviews per innings, while in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), each team has one review per innings.
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FAQ’s about DRS
Q) When was the DRS introduced in cricket?
A) The Decision Review System (DRS) was first implemented in Test cricket in 2008, in ODIs in 2011, and in T20Is in October 2017.
Q) What does the DRS timer signify in cricket?
A) In cricket, the DRS timer indicates that players have a window of 15 seconds to request a review. They must signal by forming a “T” shape with their hands to the on-field umpire.
Q) What is the full form of DRS in cricket?
A) The complete form of DRS in cricket stands for the Umpire Decision Review System.
Q) Who was the first to utilize the DRS in cricket?
A) Anil Kumble holds the distinction of being the first captain to employ the DRS. This occurred during a Test match in 2008 when the on-field umpire dismissed Harbhajan Singh’s lbw appeal against Malinda Warnapura of Sri Lanka.
Q) How many DRS in cricket?
A) As per the latest rules, there are 3 DRS available in Test cricket while the count is 2 in white ball cricket.Â
Q) How is DRS different in IPL?
A) In IPL, players can use DRS even when they want to challenge wide calls made by the umpires. In the IPL, there are 2 DRS.
