In a bid to standardise the use of technology across all formats of the game, the ICC’s cricket committee has recommended that UDRS be used in all Test matches as well as in the World Cup in the subcontinent next year.
The committee, chaired by former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd, also adopted the updated directive on reverse sweep introduced earlier in the year which prevents the batsman from altering his grip or stance before the bowler enters his delivery stride.
“After a lengthy and constructive discussion, the ICC cricket committee suggested that the principle should be that DRS should be introduced as soon as possible in all Test series,” an ICC statement said after the conclusion of the committee’s two-day meeting
With regards to the switch-hit, the ICC said that a bowler reserved the right not to bowl if he saw the batsman change his grip before entering his delivery stride. “Should the bowler see a batsman change his grip or stance prior to the delivery stride the bowler can decide not to bowl the ball.”
The switch-hit had been given an all clear by the MCC — the guardian of the laws of cricket in 2008.
The committee also stated that more research was needed in cricket balls, before floodlit Tests could be introduced.