Umpire chats to be aired in Australia-South Africa ODIs

Sydney: Discussions between the on-field and television umpires will be aired during Australia's upcoming one-day series against South Africa, the International Cricket Council said Wednesday.

Cricket's governing body said it would conduct a trial during the series, which starts on Friday, to make communication between umpires available to broadcaster Nine Network during decision-making. "The umpire communications can be aired during umpire referrals, consultations and DRS (Decision Review System) player reviews," the ICC said in a statement.

"This initiative is part of ICC's efforts to make umpiring more understandable to viewers and spectators." The ICC said if the trial was successful, it may consider allowing the broadcast of umpire discussions at "select matches" during the Cricket World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand from February.

"For years viewers have enjoyed seeing the same pictures as the TV umpire and making their own decisions during a referral or review," said the ICC's general manager, Geoff Allardice. "Now they will be even closer to the game, hearing what the umpire is saying when making those decisions." Australia and South Africa meet in a five-match one-day series starting in Perth on Friday.