Learn how the DRS operates in cricket, including the rules, process, and Full form of DRS. Find out how many seconds teams have to decide if they want to use DRS.
What is DRS in Cricket?
According to the ICC, DRS is a “technology-based system that helps match officials make decisions.” On-field umpires use it only after players request a review. This is different from the regular third umpire decisions that the on-field umpire signals for without player input.
How Does DRS Work?
DRS (Decision Review System) allows the batting or fielding team to challenge an umpire’s decision if they think it might be wrong. It’s commonly used when a batter feels they were unfairly given out for LBW (Leg Before Wicket) or caught behind by the wicketkeeper.
Similarly, a fielding captain can consult their team and request a DRS if they believe a wrong decision was made, especially in cases of LBW or caught-behind calls.
In international cricket, DRS can only be used to review “out” or “not out” decisions. However, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), players can also challenge “wide” ball calls. To signal for a DRS review, the captain or batter shows a ‘T’ shape with their hands.
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What Does the Third Umpire Check?
Once a player requests DRS and the umpire signals it, the third umpire checks several things. First, they ensure the delivery was legal by confirming that the bowler didn’t overstep the crease. If the delivery is valid, they review the replays of the incident in question, like LBW or caught-behind decisions.
Technologies like Real Time Snicko (RTS), Ultra-Edge, and Hotspot help the third umpire see if the ball touched the bat before hitting the pad or being caught by the wicketkeeper. If there’s no sign of a bat-ball contact, the third umpire uses ball-tracking software to determine the LBW decision.
Once the third umpire reaches a conclusion, they inform the on-field umpire, who either sticks with the original decision or overturns it. If overturned, the on-field umpire signals this by crossing their arms over their shoulders and giving the new call.
What is Umpire’s Call in DRS?
Sometimes, even with the available technology, the evidence might be inconclusive. To handle such cases, the ICC introduced the “umpire’s call” in 2016. This allows the on-field umpire’s original decision to stand if the technology cannot provide clear evidence. If the umpire’s call stands, the team that requested the review keeps their remaining reviews.
When Was DRS Introduced?
DRS, initially called UDRS, was first used in a Test match during India’s 2008 tour of Sri Lanka. India didn’t have much success with it in that series, with only one out of 12 reviews going in their favor. The first-ever overturned decision using DRS was an LBW appeal against Indian batter Virender Sehwag. The ICC officially adopted DRS for all Test matches in November 2009.
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How Have DRS Rules Evolved?
Since its introduction, DRS has seen several changes. One significant update in 2013 allowed teams to get new reviews every 80 overs in a Test match. In 2016, the zone around the stumps used for LBW decisions was widened to make judgments more accurate.
For T20 Internationals (T20Is), DRS became mandatory in 2017. The Indian Premier League (IPL) started using DRS in 2018, although the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was the first T20 tournament to adopt DRS, doing so in 2017.
What is the DRS Timer?
Players must decide whether to request a review within 15 seconds after the umpire gives a decision. The timer starts once the ball is no longer in play. The captain of the fielding team or the batter given out can use the DRS within this time limit.
How Many Times Can DRS Be Used?
In Test matches, each team is allowed three unsuccessful reviews per innings since 2020, an increase from the previous two due to the pandemic. Unused reviews from one inning don’t carry over to the next.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is, teams were initially given one review per innings. This was increased to two during the COVID-19 pandemic, and teams can keep using their reviews as long as they are successful.
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