The Umpire Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket has revolutionized the way contentious decisions are adjudicated during matches. Essentially, DRS allows players to challenge on-field umpire decisions, utilizing technology to provide a fairer resolution. The system comprises several key components: ball tracking technology, known as Hawk-Eye, which traces the trajectory of the ball; UltraEdge, which employs audio and visual aids to detect bat-pad contact; HotSpot, which utilizes thermal imaging to identify ball-to-bat contact; and Snickometer, which analyzes audio for faint sounds indicating edges. Each of these components contributes to the accuracy of decision-making, minimizing errors and enhancing the integrity of the game.
However, the effectiveness of DRS isn’t without its vulnerabilities. One such concern revolves around the potential exploitation of the system through the strategic use of silicon tape on the edge of the bat. This tactic aims to deceive HotSpot technology, as the silicon tape, being a good conductor of heat, reduces or eliminates the thermal signature created by friction when the ball hits the bat. Consequently, the absence of a heat spot could lead to false negatives, indicating no contact between ball and bat, even when there is a genuine edge. This manipulation poses a challenge to the reliability of the DRS, undermining its purpose of providing accurate decision-making.
Tag: Science and technology-developments and their application and effects in everyday life.
Decoding the Question:
- In intro, write about the Umpire decision review System (UDRS).
- In Body,
- Discuss components of UDRS.
- Explain how the silicon edge of a bat may fool the system.
- Try to conclude, discuss technology and sports and their needs.
Answer:
The Decision Review System (DRS) is a technology-based process for assisting the match officials with their decision-making. On-field umpires may consult with the third umpire (an Umpire Review) and players may request that the third umpire consider a decision of the on-field umpires (a Player Review). UDRS which is now known as DRS was used for the first time in 2008 in an India vs Sri Lanka match.
There are three main components of DRS:
- Hawk-Eye: It is a virtual ball tracking technology which is used to take decisions on LBW calls. It tracks the trajectory of the ball after hitting the bat and determines whether it is going to hit the stumps or not.
- Hot-Spot: It is an infra-red imaging system which is used to find out inside edges in close LBW and caught behind calls
- Snickometer: A very important component of DRS, it is used to identify edges by using directional microphones to detect small sounds.
Silicon Tape and UDRS:
- Using silicone-based tape on the edges of bats might be one of the ways to get past HotSpot.
- Silicon tape is heat resistance combined that can fool thermal cameras from detecting heat intensity.
- Sometimes Hotspots failed to demonstrate edges of the bat but at the same time Ultra edge/snickometer detected any edges.
Hence, technology and sports are evolving in nature. Technological use in sports may improve decision making of umpires and decrease partiality and ultimately promote sportsman spirit. Sports are supposed to promote brotherhood but sometimes due to faulty technologies it creates bitter relations between players and teams.
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