“Now they will be even closer to the game, hearing what the umpire is saying when making those decisions”

Image courtesy of: cricket.com.au

Viewers who tune in to the upcoming ODI series between Australia and South Africa will get the chance to hear discussions between the on-field officials and third umpire.

While this is the first time the International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to such a thing, the global cricketing body added that if it is successful, they may implement it in a few World Cup matches as well.

The ICC also confirmed that the Nine Network will have the right to air discussions between the umpires to its viewers.

“For years viewers have enjoyed seeing the same pictures as the TV umpire and making their own decisions during a referral or review,” Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s general manager of cricket, said. “Now they will be even closer to the game, hearing what the umpire is saying when making those decisions.”