In a ground breaking move that is bound to create some sort of debate in the cricketing fraternity, the England and Wales Cricket board will allow players in the county circuit to appeal to the third umpire if they are not satisfied with the ground umpire’s decision. Interestingly, only a captain of the fielding side and batsman involved can appeal to the third umpire not a bowler who is closer to the batsman and are more aware of the fact that whether the bowl has swung too much or going leg side especially in LBW decisions.

Each team is allowed only two unsuccessful appeals per innings and is applicable on all modes of dismissals. Though, technology has proved quite a handful in the run out decisions but I have my doubts over the LBW and catch decisions. If cricket is run on the basis of technology especially in LBW decisions, no batting team will cross over 200 in the one day internationals because Hawkeye (instrument used in LBW decisions) always give batsman out. Furthermore, it will also slow down the game because TV umpire usually takes a lot of time in giving decisions as compared to field umpire who give decisions almost immediately.

BBC