LBW: the most important question is how accurate the Hawkeye is. Many feel that if the Hawkeye decided LBW most Test Matches would finish in less than three days, and batting averages could decrease by about 25% which could directly affect the way that the game is played and seen.No-Ball: this seems almost a certainty to be handed over to the third umpire, it has been demonstrated that from the current angle (45 degrees and behind) that the umpire judges the front foot no-ball law, it is inevitable that the umpire will make mistakes.
Some raise the question if players should have a limited number of times to appeal. This has been successfully implemented in the world of tennis. Could cricket join the tail? Could it work in cricket? Who would decide? The batsman? Trainer? Others argue (those that oppose technology) that the amount of time implemented on checks and other issues would be wasted time in the game.
Additional aspects of technology affecting the game of cricket? Pitch, ground preparation, player equipment and spectator enjoyment are issues that are directly linked with technology.
Pitch and Ground Preparation: the modern cricket field is a marvel of engineering. In all but the rarest of occurrences, 30 minutes after the cessation of rain the players can return to the field to resume the game.
Player Equipment: the modern player is spoiled when compared to his forbearers light weight pads that offer more protection than previews equipment. The modern batting helmet is lighter and proportionates the player quicker reactions and movements within the game. Also the dynamically designed bowling boots, which are lighter and at the same time offers greater support than the “heavy military” style boots (which the player Lol Larwood used to wear).
Bats: Technlogy has affected the most on the design and performance of the bats, light weight and 'all middle'. Even the handle which was once just a turned piece of cane, is now anywhere from a two to a 12 piece cane handle with multi-rubber insertions bound with synthetic glue. Modern bats themselves are around three pounds and pick up like toothpicks. The pitch will also have a large impact on which bat the modern player will choose. For a slow wicket the bat will have a lower swell anywhere from four or five inches from the toe. For a faster wicket the swell will be about seven to eight inches from the toe.All these improvements (as any other sport) are made to make the player perform better, in order to be able to do the ‘impossible’ which would affect on the way the sport is viewed by the audience, making it more popular and attractive. The problem then, may come when people try to make the distinction between sport as a game and sports as a ‘show’.
All of this technology sounds fancy and i agree that nowadays it is not just the players who are getting better, but also the equipment aswell whcih unlocks their "potential". this potential here is up for debate of course, but definitely technology plays a role in the enhancement of players performances today
ReplyDeletePlacing technology for better umpire the match is a dilemma. In some circunstances technology would favor the fairness of the game, but is some games, the benefit of the doubt just give it´s spice. Like in football, some plays or goals could be considered to not have actually been goals (inter scoring their last goal, during a semifinal match against FC Barcelona). This creates all the polemical and debatable discussions even way after the match is over, which keeps the football spirit alive. Implementing technology could decrease the doubts by a lot and remove the "spice" out of football.
ReplyDeleteMohamar, to some extent you're right, but it also brings in an objective point of view, and that can help "moderating" the debate/ discussion of the games, which not necessairly means removing it.
ReplyDeleteIt's true though that if we reach the point that sports are so technologized, they won't be a human anymore. It's all about finding the balance between both sides.
Sara