Use of DRS likely for India-England series

If DRS becomes a reality it will be for the first time that technology will be used for a bilateral Test series in India. The last time it was used on Indian soil was during 2011 ICC World Cup. An ICC spokesperson independently confirmed to PTI that global body’s GM cricket Geoff Allardice along with representatives from company providing technical support will meet BCCI bigwigs and coach Anil Kumble. “Next week’s meeting is to discuss the recommendations from the DRS technology testing project (conducted by MIT engineers), along with improvements in HawkEye ball-tracking technology that have been introduced over recent years,” the ICC spokesperson said. 

India’s ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been adamant about ball tracking technology not being fool-proof. During earlier regime of N Srinivasan, BCCI were obstinate and not ready to sit across the table to discuss the pros and cons of DRS. However, Virat Kohli, since taking over reins in the longest version, has shown his openness towards embracing the technology. Add to it, Kumble being the coach has also helped the matters as he has first-hand knowledge of how much upgradation has happened. India will be playing five Tests against England and it is expected that Ravichandran Ashwin and Moeen Ali will be bowling a lot of overs from either side. With close in catches being a big factor, the introduction of “hot spot” could significantly lessen umpiring howlers.