Front foot no balls will be called by the third umpire in the upcoming series between India and the West Indies. The new rule will be applicable for both the three-match T20I as well as the ODI series and it is part of ICC’s latest technology trial. The standing umpires will take the rest of the on-field calls as usual. Meanwhile, the benefit of the doubt in close calls will be given to the bowlers.
We have seen in the recent past that the standing umpires have missed the front foot no-ball which has led to many controversial decisions. In fact, it is not easy for an on-field umpire to first check the front foot and then quickly make the other decisions. Thus, it is a good move from the governing body.
Good call from the ICC.
“Throughout the trial, the Third Umpire will be responsible for monitoring every ball bowled and identifying whether there has been any front foot infringement,” the ICC said in a release on Thursday (December 5).
“If there has been an infringement on the front foot, the Third Umpire will communicate this to the On-Field Umpire who will subsequently call a no-ball. As a result, the On-Field Umpire will not call a front foot no-ball without the advice of the Third Umpire.
Meanwhile, if a late call is communicated by the third umpire to the on-field umpire, then the latter will cancel the decision.
“If a late no-ball call is communicated, then the On-Field Umpire will rescind a dismissal (if applicable) and call no-ball. The On-Field Umpire will remain responsible for other in-game decisions in the usual way,” the release further stated.
The upcoming series between India and the West Indies will be a good opportunity for ICC to try the new rule. The same rule was tested earlier in 2016 when England and Sri Lanka had taken on each other.