A single decision, especially in cricket, can completely alter the outcome of the game. The Decision Review System (DRS) has been implemented to minimize the controversies posed by the umpire’s decisions. DRS permits the teams to contest any on-field umpire calls and uses sophisticated technologies to make the call. This assists in making informed choices.
In this article we will cover DRS full form in cricket, impact of DRS in cricket, technology and its roots will be discussed further below.
What is DRS in Cricket?
The DRS is a technology-aided system rooted in cricket that is designed to help players when making blatant errors in decisions. In the DRS, players are allowed to contest an umpire’s decision, and the third-party umpire makes ruling concerning the event using various technologies including ball tracking, UltraEdge, and Hot Spot.
DRS Full Form in Cricket
- D – Decision
- R – Review
- S – System
Purpose of DRS in Cricket
- Provides assistance in lessening the human factor involved in umpiring error.
- Presents fairness with a guarantee of second review for possible mistakes.
- Aids in enhancing the accuracy of reviewing decisions through technology.
History of DRS in Cricket
- 2008- Introduced for the first time in Test Cricket in a series between India and Sri Lanka.
- 2011- Included in One Day Internationals (ODI).
- 2017- Added to T20 Internationals (T20Is).
- 2018- Became a full member of all ICC tournaments.
After some initial problems with certain boards, DRS is now considered an essential component of the sport.
How Does DRS Work in Cricket?
1. The batting or fielding team has 15 seconds to issue a challenge after an umpire’s decision is made.
2. With the help of:
- UltraEdge/Snickometer for caught behind or edge.
- Ball Tracking (Hawk-Eye) for LBW.
- Hot Spot for bat pad impact.
3. Using technology, the third official either confirms or denies the call according to DRS rules, and if he chooses to confirm by using the DRS, then the decision is overturned.
DRS Rules in Cricket
1. Number of Review:
- Test Matches: Each side is allowed two unsuccessful challenges every innings.
- ODIs & T20Is: Each team is allowed one unsuccessful challenge for an innings.
2. Umpire’s Call Rules:
- A review cannot be undertaken when the ball grazes the stumps, if the Umpire calls it a “Umpires Call”.
- The review is retained by the team, even if there was an Umpire’s Call.
3. Time Limit for Review:
- The decision can be called into question for a maximum of one quarter minute after it is issued by the official.
Technological Capabilities of DRS
1. Hawk-Eye (Tracking the ball)
- Monitors the ball in motion and forecasts its direction after being bowled.
- Used during the determination of LBW calls.
2. UltraEdge (Snickometer)
- Identify sound waves when the ball moves over the paddle/bat or pad.
- Assists in determining a caught behind appeal or LBW bother.
3. Hot Spot
- Uses infrared technology to determine the position the ball hits the bat or the pad.
- Eliminates majority of uncertainty in bat-pad poor LBW cases.
4. Slow Replays
- For stumping, run-out, or catch decision.
Advantages of DRS in Cricket
The perception and reality of umpiring have become more accurate and just with the implementation of The Decision Review System. Below are some key benefits:
1. Diminishes Errors in Umpiring
- Guarantees that erroneous decisions have the ability to be rectified through the use of technology.
- Aids umpires in making better decisions.
2. Increases Calls for Fair Play
- Allows teams to challenge unfair calls and get justice.
- The reason for cheating players is least offered by this provision.
3. Augments the Experience of the Viewer
- Fans relish the excitement brung by DRS reviews which adds suspense to the rivalry.
- TV coverage gives analytic and summarizing information surrounding the decisions.
4. Offers an Another Opportunity to Players
- Batsmen who have been given out incorrectly have the ability to DRS and keep batting.
- A bowler has the chance to take a wicket and subsequently undo a previous bad decision.
5. Lessens Arguments/Controversies
- Before the implementation of DRS there was glaringing controversaries cricking arguments due to umpiring mistakes.
- There is now less in-fighting of teams with DRS.
6. Encourages Advancements of Technology in Cricket
- Provokes modern approach to cricket by the usage of new software programs.
- More advancement in data collecting and analysis for latter matches is improved.
The Effect of DRS on Cricket
Pros of DRS
- Corrects an increased error rate in umpiring decisions, providing a more just game.
- Prives an opportunity to counter a wrong decision.
- Brings a high level of interaction and involvement from the audience when using technological breakdowns.
Disadvantages of DRS
- Umpire’s Call Clause is at times contentious to argue about whether it is done inconsistently.
- Using technology isn’t 100% reliable meaning sometimes they can get it wrong.
- A few national governing bodies including BCCI disputed the DSR for obvious reason.
Notable DRS Moments in Cricket
1. Sachin’s DRS Call in 2011 World Cup
In the semis of the World Cup between India and Pakistan, Tendulkar received DRS and was not out for LBW.
2. Stokes’ DRS call in 2019 Ashes
In the 3rd Test of the Ashes (2019) on LBW, Stokes did a successful review for England which allowed them to win the historic match.
3. Master of DRS, MS Dhoni (“Dhoni Review System”)
MS Dhoni was known for his record right DRS calls which made fans refer to it as his personal “Dhoni Review System.”
Conclusion
In modern cricket, the Decision Review System (DRS) is a very helpful technology that allows for great precision and fairness in the game. This system has however faced some backlash but the innovated tracking of the ball with UltraEdge and Hawk-Eye technology increases the transparency of the game.
With DRS continuously enhanced and improved, it enables for the optimal experience of all players, umpires, and spectators, making the sport more exciting and equitable.
FAQ’s
What does DRS mean in cricket?
DRS’s full form in cricket is Decision Review System which is a technology oriented system to help umpires with decision making.
When did DRS originate in cricket?
In 2008, DRS was firstly used during a Test match played between India and Sri Lanka. It was later adopted in ODIs in 2011 and T20Is in 2017.
What types of technology are used in DRS?
DRS uses sharp technologies such as Hawk-Eye(Ball Tracking), UltraEdge(Snickometer), Hot Spot, and Slow Motion Replays for decision making assistance.
Also read about: Cricket Rules: A Comprehensive Guide to the Game
