TOPIC:

The umpires have called the players off for bad light. Apparently the umpires were having trouble picking up the ball from square leg in the gloomy conditions. I thought that was very funny as they also seem to have trouble picking up the ball in fine conditions as well.

The Aussies will obviously plan to declare at their overnight score and then would have an extended day ( 104 overs) to bowl out England.


However the below weather forecast from the UK met office appears to ensure a draw and you would even wonder if the players will get on the field at all

Today:
Cloudy with rain persisting for much of the day, very heavy at times with a risk of thundery bursts and localised flooding. Towards evening the rain will ease and slowly clear eastwards, perhaps allowing some late brightness in the west. Maximum Temperature 19 °C.

It looks like play will commence in 15 minutes time. Yesterday the pitch showed some signs of misbehaving. Bresnan bowled a couple of deliveries that leapt off the wicket alarmingly & Swann was getting quite a few balls to bounce & spin. It is conceivable, given England's negative mindset that Australia could bowl England out in less than 90 overs. The positive to take out of this game regardless of the result is at least Australia have challenged England after the walloping they copped in the second test.

I wonder if anyone has an opinion on media reports on the possible use of silicone-tape by Australian & English players on their bats in an effort to fool hotspot from picking up edges. I did notice several instances during the first 3 tests where there were or might be edges but hotspot wasn't picking up any markings on the bat during reviews. The third umpire can use audio but not snikko during reviews. If hot spot has doubt cast upon it to a point were it is deemed unreliable that would only leave audio & evidence of deviations on review for the third umpire to decide referrals. I think we may find DRS scrapped altogether apart from stumpings & run outs, which may be better for the game.

puppy wrote: I wonder if anyone has an opinion on media reports on the possible use of silicone-tape by Australian & English players on their bats in an effort to fool hotspot from picking up edges. I did notice several instances during the first 3 tests where there were or might be edges but hotspot wasn't picking up any markings on the bat during reviews. The third umpire can use audio but not snikko during reviews. If hot spot has doubt cast upon it to a point were it is deemed unreliable that would only leave audio & evidence of deviations on review for the third umpire to decide referrals. I think we may find DRS scrapped altogether apart from stumpings & run outs, which may be better for the game.

Your right Puppy.. Any technology can be beaten and it doesnt take long
Just ask the virus creators and Wicky, Performance drugs to beat the tests
Drugs etc etc.
Nothing cant be beaten.
I am not saying any team uses this in cricket (Yet) but wouldnt be hard to beat.
The only thing that cant be beaten is a human umpire (unless the money is good )

Indians and Paki's would soon work something out. Sad really

Heres a good article on the whole DRS mess

www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/tweet-reven...-20130807-2rgt5.html

I think the review system should be given the flick because it detracts from the game. Maybe use it for run outs and lbw decisions when the umpires cannot make a determination? The umpires can then get back to doing their job instead of relying on technology too much.