The Test and County Cricket Board’s idea for a walkie-talkie link with a third umpire was first suggested in a written paper to the International Cricket Conference (now a Council) by Mahinda Wijesinghe in 1983, and confirmed by famed Cricket commentator, writer and editor, Christopher Martin-Jenkins.
The credit for the basic concept of using video evidence was to help the umpires in the middle with tricky run outs and stumping decisions, and it’s English variation- a radio link to convey decisions instead of a red and green light- has been claimed by South Africa and the TCCB. But as the famed cricket journalist and editor of the monthly London Cricketer International Christopher Martin- Jenkins reported – as above - the rightful owner of this unique finding was actually by the Sri Lankan cricket writer and by the first Secretary of the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation who was the author of this unique finding.
Mahinda wrote a memo to the Board of Control in January 1983 entitled: “The use of Video Cameras in Test Cricket.”
He began by pointing out that complaints about incompetent umpiring were the result that marred some of the Test series and blamed the problem on “instant replays which showed all.” He further added that it was ludicrous when TV replays indicated that the batsman was out without a doubt as shown by the on-field TV cameras, but he kept batting on regardless and mentioned that certain Test captains and journalists too have advocated neutral umpires.
Wijesinghe noted that the concept was incorrect and Test umpires were not cheats; it was actually a question of human error. Therefore a substitution of one human being by another of a different nationality would not logically solve the issue. They suggested that, in addition to the umpires in the middle, there should be two more watching television monitors and action replays in a special TV room.
He further added that when the umpire on the field had a doubt about an appeal he should communicate with the umpires watching the screen by means of a walkie- talkie system, the former will clarify any doubt from the umpires watching the screen before signalling their decision.
The important point to bear in mind stressed Mahinda is that the umpire in the middle clarifies a doubt with his counterparts watching the screen, but the final decision should remain the decision of the field umpire.
The statement made by Tim Lamb cricket secretary of the TCCB, was strikingly similar, “initially we believe it is important that the umpire in the middle is seen to make the final decision and, secondly Dialogue between the umpires will enable them to clear up such matters as whether or not the wicket was broken fairly or not in case of (say) a run-out or a stumping for instance.”
Mr Lamb said yesterday that he had not been aware of the Sri Lankan paper by Mahinda’s. His paper was presented to the ICC meeting in July 1984. The idea was reported but “not supported” stated the Wisden Almanack. Last winter, however, soon after their return to the ICC, South Africans grasped the nettle and video evidence was first used to give batsmen out in Tests and international matches between South Africa and India. The first Test batsman to be given out by the Third Umpire was India’s Sachin Tendulkar.
Going back in time if the TCCB are satisfied with another experiment with the BBC next Tuesday, replays may be used to help Test matches avoid the kind of embarrassment suffered by Ken Palmer last year when slow motion replays revealed he should have given Graham Gooch run out in the Headingly Test.
That was history but today this concept has grown way beyond all expectations.
Mahinda Wijesighe who pioneered this concept is left out in the cold, those who warm the chairs in plush settings please take note.
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