Left field
The Reuters global sports blog
Even cricket’s referral system is not perfect
Soccer has come under a barrage of criticism for not introducing technology to help referees while U.S. sports, rugby, tennis and cricket lead the way with innovative means of making sure the big decisions are right.
Cricket’s new referral system, where both the batting and fielding sides can have two unsuccessful challenges to an umpire’s decision per innings, has largely been welcomed by most in the game.
Even though umpires can end up looking silly, they seem to have backed the further use of technology after the great success of the third umpire in checking run outs etc.
However, on the first day of South Africa’s first test with England at Centurion, the tourists were certain AB de Villiers had nicked Graeme Swann behind.
