Technology Advancement In Cricket

Cricket; the Gentlemans' game has its origin in the late sixteenth century. Since the first international  match between the US and Canada, the game has seen many new inventions, many of which have enriched the lives of viewers.
Technology development help players to emprove themselves as it help them to focus on the areas where they need to improve. It help teams to analyse other teams. Technology also help umpires to make accurate decisions. Let's have a look at these technological advancements in this game.

TV UMPIRE

Before 1992, decisions were made by only two on-field umpires. The Third Umpire or TV Umpire came into play in the Test match between India and South Africa. TV Umpire has television replays to make his decision and comes into play when the on-field umpires require help.

Previously, it used to be lights, like the ones in the traffic signals, used to decide the fate of the batsman, red signal show end of the batsman's innings, whereas the green light signal show that batsman has survived the appeal. Third Umpires since then have been used whenever the on-field umpires have any doubts regarding any appeal. Though one can't term this as a technological advancement, TV Umpires have certainly changed the game.

Speed Gun

It was in 1999 when Cricket got introduced to the concept of Speed Gun which was used to measure speed of the ball. The device relays a beam from the radar head to detect movement across the pitch.

Stump Mic and Camera

Attached to the stumps, the mic and camera gave the viewers an extraordinary on-field experience. It is aligned in the hollow middle stump through a small window on the side of the stump. The mic is used to receive the sound waves and helps the umpire whilst taking decisions when the batsman nicks the ball.

Edge detection

Often called snickometer, and in its modern form as ultra edge, this technology is used to tell whether the ball has touched the bat or not. Invented in the mid-90s, Snicko produce a disturbance in the graph when the ball touches the bat or any other part of the batsman. It helps the third umpire in making a conclusive decision.

HotSpot

HotSpot came into play after the Snickometer was reportedly considered not accurate enough. This technology uses infra-red imaging system and shows a bright spot where contact friction from the ball has elevated the local temperature. It uses camera on both the ends of the ground and provides information based on the heat friction generated by a collision.

Hawkeye

Hawkeye was invented in 2001 to show the trajectory of the ball once delivered from the hand of the bowler. This technology is vastly used in major outdoor sports. Cameras which are aligned under the stadium roofs generate a 3-D representation of the trajectory of the ball. It is used in judging LBW decisions.

Decision Review System (DRS)

Decision Review System is the modern day method for correcting or reviewing the on-field umpire's call. The DRS include Snickometer, Hotspot and Hawkeye providing conclusive decision whether the umpire’s decision stands or not.

LED Stumps and Bails

Though an expensive technology, LED Bails are used to helping the umpires make a precise decision when it comes to decisions regarding run-outs. The bail glows when it is dealt with an impact. It has a sensor, a microprocessor and a low-voltage battery.

Chips on Bat

This is the latest technology. These chips are installed in the bat to measure bat-speed for various analysis purposes. They are sometime inserted on the handles of the bat to study the motion of the bat.

So, these are the technological advancements which had taken place over time.