ECB trial new playing condition

10 April 2007

The ECB has confirmed that a new playing condition will be trialled throughout the 2007 Friends Provident Trophy allowing players to refer the decisions of the on-field umpire to the TV umpire.

The player referral of decisions allows players to refer the decisions of the on-field umpire to the TV umpire if they believe that the on-field umpire has made an error.

Only the captain of the fielding side and the batsman involved in the dismissal may refer a decision to the third umpire. Each team is allowed two unsuccessful referrals per innings.

All modes of dismissal apart from timed out, can be referred to the TV-umpire and all referrals must be made immediately.

The TV umpire will reverse a decision if it is beyond reasonable doubt that the on-field umpire has made a clear and obvious mistake.

Alan Fordham, ECB head of operations for first-class cricket, said: "We are delighted to be undertaking this exciting trial as we are committed to innovation.

"While we acknowledge the high standard of umpiring in our domestic game, we believe that the opportunity to explore ways that we can achieve even more correct decisions must be taken, and this is the aim of the trial."

The new playing condition can be downloaded below:

Friends Provident Trophy - Playing Condition 18 - Player Referral Of Decisions (25 KB)