NZC clarify playing conditions

New Zealand Cricket today (19 December) clarified playing condition’s 6.2 and 6.4 (2) (a) in relation to an umpire referring an decision to the third umpire.

During yesterday’s HRV Cup match between the Auckland Aces and Wellington Firebirds umpire Wayne Knights took the opportunity to refer an LBW appeal to the third umpire.

Knights was seeking clarification as to whether the batsman’s bat had made contact with the ball. The third umpire confirmed no contact had been made between bat and ball, and with all other considerations for a successful LBW appeal met, Knights gave the batsman out.

NZC Playing Conditions 6.2 & 6.3 (2) (a) which cover the role of 3rd Umpire and television replays specifically allow umpires to review any decision in a televised match.

“The on-field umpire has the discretion whether to call for a review via the third umpire, and shall take a common sense approach,” said National Umpire Manager Rodger McHarg.

This NZC Playing Condition has been in existence for eight years in NZ domestic cricket with the umpire referral used on rare occasions.

This Playing Condition is similar but very different to the International use of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS).

The NZC playing conditions are widely distributed and available online: http://www.nzcusa.org.nz/uploadGallery/NZC%20Playing%20Conditions%202011-12.pdf