Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, well, atleast in the cricketing world. It has gone through many changes and evolutions since its inception. Technology has been at the forefront of these changes, bringing new innovations to the sport and changing the way it is played, watched, and managed. The impact of technology on cricket has been profound in recent years, leading to improvements in player performance, fan experience, and match officiating. In this essay, I will explore the impact of technology on cricket and its influence on various aspects of the game.

Instant replay technology

One of the most significant changes brought by technology is the introduction of instant replay technology. Umpires and referees now have the ability to make informed decisions about close calls and appeals for catches, run-outs, and stumping by using video footage. At the beginning, certain umpires were reluctant to use this innovation. The most famous being Steve Bucknor. He was adamant that he will never call for the third umpire to adjudicate on run-out. One such decision during the very first series the technology was introduced. Bucknor refused to refer to the third umpire on Jonty Rhodes’s run-out. It was a poor decision and it changed the entire game. Rhodes went onto to score a fighting 91 and South Africa won that Test.

In addition, instant replay technology has helped players and fans to analyse and understand the sport better. The use of slow-motion replays and high-definition cameras has enabled players to identify flaws in their technique and make necessary adjustments, while fans can get a closer look at the sport and appreciate the finer points of the game.

The Decision Review System

Another major impact of technology on cricket has been the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS). The DRS is a tool that allows players and umpires to review and overturn incorrect decisions made during a game. This technology has significantly reduced the number of incorrect decisions made and has improved the accuracy of umpire calls. Furthermore, the DRS has helped to eliminate disputes and debates about the game, leading to a more fair and enjoyable experience for all involved.

One of the most significant technological advancements in cricket has been the use of Hawk-Eye, a computer system that tracks the path of the ball and makes predictions about its trajectory. Hawk-Eye is used in most international matches to aid umpires in making decisions about lbw (leg before wicket) and caught behind dismissals. Its accuracy has reduced human error and improved the overall fairness of the game.

Additionally, tools like Hot Spot and Snicko, which use infrared cameras and audio recordings to track the movement of the ball, have been instrumental in determining close decisions such as edge, nicks, and thin edges.

One thing that must be eliminated from the DRS is the “Umpires Call”. If the ball goes onto hit the stumps, even a miniscule part of it, it must declared as out. I do realise that this is still in the game because technology cannot predict the trajectory of the ball 100% but this must go. Atleast it is improved now. Previously, only if 50% of ball hits the stumps, will the batsman be declared as out. Now, it is reduced to 25%.

The experience of the fans

The use of technology has also revolutionized the fan experience of cricket. Live streaming, instant replays, and scorecards have made it easier for fans to follow the game, regardless of location. Fans can also access a wealth of information about the players and teams, such as statistics, player profiles, and news updates, making the game more accessible and engaging.

However, there has been some criticism of the over-reliance on technology in cricket.

Some argue that the use of technology has reduced the human element of the game, taking away the natural intuition and judgement that umpires bring to their decision-making. Additionally, some argue that the reliance on technology has made the game more predictable and less spontaneous, taking away some of its excitement and unpredictability.

Despite these criticisms, the overall impact of technology on cricket has been overwhelmingly positive. Technology has improved the quality and accuracy of decision-making, the performance of players, and the fan experience. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that cricket will continue to benefit from its advances, making the sport even more exciting and accessible for fans around the world.

Improving the performance of the players

Another major technological development in cricket has been the use of performance analysis tools. These tools help players and coaches identify strengths and weaknesses in their performance, as well as their opponents. They include metrics such as batting average, strike rate, run-rate, and field placement, which help players make more informed decisions about their approach to each delivery.

Wrapping up the impact of technology on cricket

In conclusion, technology has had a significant impact on cricket, leading to improvements in player performance, fan experience, and match officiating. The use of performance analysis tools, instant replays, and computer systems like Hawk-Eye have made the game more accurate, accessible, and engaging. While there are some concerns about the over-reliance on technology, the overall impact of technology on cricket has been positive and is likely to continue in the future.

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The top and middle-order let India down – 3

Ravindra Jadeja Probably the most improved batsman in the world. I will write a separate blog about Jadeja. In this test, he showed why he is preferred to Ashwin though it was never between Jadeja and Ashwin. I have always said that Jadeja plays outside of India as a specialist batsman. Everyone knows that his bowling is non-threatening in English conditions. He may take advantage of a 5th day wearing pitch and that is about it. He paced his innings beautifully. The way he manipulated strike with the tail in the first innings was excellent. If only Pant had stayed with Jadeja, the lead could have been around the 450 mark. Shardul Thakur Shardul Thakur is not an express fast bowler. As such he can never terrorise any batsman with his pace. He is in the team in overseas conditions because he can contribute with the bat. If he fails with the bat and does not keep the economy rate down and provide breakthroughs, it is tough to justify his inclusion. After the enormous partnership between Pant and Jadeja, India needed one more partnership of 50-odd runs to establish authority over England. If only Shardul had stayed with Jadeja at the point, we may have well earned another 60-75 runs. A first innings score of close to 500 would have proved quite challenging but Shardul failed with the bat at the wrong time. Moreover, his bowling was not threatening and he missed an easy sitter of Stokes. Shardul was the star performer earlier in the series and as such this one bad game should not invite condemnation. However, Shardul must realise that he is in the team for his batting as much as he is for his bowling. In hindsight, would Ashwin had been a better choice than Shardul? Maybe may not be. The only reason that I am not able to emphatically say yes is the fact that there is no proof to the contrary. As Manjrekar rightly said, he is yet to take a 5-fer in the countries that matter. With age not on his side, it is anybody’s guess whether he will be able to correct that aberration. Mohammed Shami Shami is a brilliant bowler. We know that. Shami bowls some magic balls. We know that too. Shami makes the batsmen play more often. We know that one as well. Shami is unlucky. That is the problem. He is good and he does bowl lot of excellent deliveries but if they do not fetch frequent wickets, then there is a problem that needs to be identified. A couple of wickets in the second innings just when things started to look dicey for India, would have put the game firmly in India’s grasp. His record in England is a major concern. Just 38 wickets in 13 tests, under 3 per test is not the expected return from the premier fast bowler. It is unfortunate that despite his obvious talent, he has often failed to deliver against the major teams. This is the 3rd consecutive test that India failed to defend and Shami has a lot to contribute towards that dismal record. One good thing about Shami is that he showed maturity while batting in the first innings. He gave adequate support to Jadeja which is good to see. He played the short-balls much better than Shreyas. He will have to work with experts and see where is he going wrong? Does he have to pitch the ball much closer or short? Is the length the problem? Jasprit Bumrah The captain played a blinder and absolutely annihilated Broad. Sadly, it was with the bat. With the ball however, Bumrah once again failed at the crunch. He is quickly becoming the Kohli of bowling. For someone this talented, his match winning feats are less. He is the most protected Indian bowler. He has played all but just 2 of the games outside India. Bumrah is often given a break from tests in India. It makes sense because his action is so irregular that over-bowling may result in an injury but being the bowler the opposition plays cautiously and being the premier Indian bowler, to have failed to defend scores in the last innings on three successive occasions, it really casts a big question mark on his effectiveness. Whether all the pampering, is it really worth? The Edgbaston game was the 5th time in the last 10-12 tests that Bumrah did not raise to the occasion. It includes the WTC finals in conditions that is any fast bowler’s dream. Ofcourse, he picked up 5 wickets in the test but was still unable to break the Root-Bairstow partnership. I have written that he is becoming the Kohli of bowling. Kohli is similar in the sense that when faced with a target to chase, this is about Test cricket only, he is unable to win the game with his bat. He had a couple of opportunities in South Africa in 2017 and a couple more in England in 2017. Bumrah had this one apart from the two tests in South Africa, the WTC finals and the 2nd test in New Zealand. The last one was a long shot because the target was meagre. One thing to note is that he is not the rabbit with the bat anymore. He has certainly improved on that front but it is his bowling that is required. Mohammed Siraj Siraj usually is quite expensive. Even when he is among the wickets, he is expensive but even for him, this test would have been an awakening. He was literally taken apart by both Bairstow and Root. Towards the final stages, the way Bairstow toyed with him in the last over, any bowler would have been ashamed. These are early days and he has shown sufficient skill to become the mainstay but he must also realise that being the 3rd choice bowler, his chances will be limited when India play at home. Conclusion to the top and middle-order let India down This was a golden opportunity for India to win a series in England. Ofcourse, not when they were 98/5 but once a lead of 134 runs was secured, India must have accelerated quickly and must have built an impenetrable position. The negativity of Pujara, Vihari and to an extent Kohli and Jadeja, the recklessness of Pant, the inability of Gill to make a rare opportunity count and the impotence of the bowlers in the final innings meant that India were lucky that they had an upper hand for more than 60% of the game. Remember, we played with one player less because Shreyas is literally a free wicket. By the next time, India go over to England, some of these players would have retired and whether we will get another chance in the foreseeable future, is doubtful.

Before reading the top and middle-order let India down – 3, please read part 1 & 2 Ravindra Jadeja Probably the most improved batsman in the world. I will write

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