Cricket a game that has so much endowment with tradition and culture has been transformed in the recent past as a result of technological developments. All these innovations have not only increasing the quality of viewing for spectators but also increasing the fairness, and effectiveness of the game. Now it is pertinent to discuss some of the technological advances that have beset cricket in the contemporary world.
Hawk-Eye Technology
Hawk-Eye is aimed at using a computer system with the ability to visually monitor and analyze the flight path of the ball to provide a record of what it regards a statistically most probable trajectory. It is primarily used for decision reviews in LBW appeals out of which around 28% are implemented. It is a good technology that can help the umpires in making accurate decisions on whether the ball hit the stumps or not.
Wearable Technology
Many wearable gadgets are used to monitor a player’s fitness, activity, and workload. The above devices offer information on the players’ heart rates, speed and distance to enable the trainers to control for their health and limit cases of injuries. Wearable technology makes sure the players are fit as fiddles and can deliver to the optimum.
Snickometer and UltraEdge
These audio-visual tools are used to decide if the ball has come in contact with the bat before it being caught by the wicketkeeper-fielder. The Snickometer – or ‘Snicko’ – takes sound waves to identify edges; UltraEdge mixes sound and video for greater precision. This technology is very useful in the determination of close call catches and edges, so as to bring out a fair outcome.
Stump Cameras and Microphones
Stump cameras and microphones bring something different from the wicket, clearly providing more broadcasting utility. It affords the audience with the feel of the game also gives them those close run-outs and stumpings.
Ball Tracking and Pitch Mapping
Other mechanics such as ball tracking systems including Hawk-Eye are applied in analyzing bowler’s deliveries as well as their trends over a series. The pitching map reveals where the ball pitches and the subsequent movement which assist player and coaches to come up with a strategy on how to enhance on their performances.
Hot Spot
Hot Spot is an infra-red imaging system which is used to determine the areas of contact between the ball/bat and/or protective pads and the body. It also helps to define clear outlines of the friction spots to decide the struck part whether it has met the ball or bat or even any part of the player’s body used in helping to gain command and successful appeals on caught and LBW.
Broadcast Innovations
With the big screen, spider cam and flying Cam the broadcasting of cricket has gone to another level. These technologies serve the viewers better angles and better visions of the action during the game which makes it more interesting to watch the game.
Smart Bails and LED Stumps
Smart bails and LED stumps-when they are hit they light up so that everyone is aware that the stumps have been rubbed. This technology is best undertaken in night games and adds some eye-popping to the party for the fans. It also helps one to arrive at the right decision especially where one is close to run out or stumps.
DRS (Decision Review System)
The DRS enables team to make a review on decisions made by the umpires when making a call. In Hawk-Eye, Snicko or Hot Spot technologies, the third umpire, through replay, checks if the decision taken was right before confirming it. Here, one has added a strategic dimension into the game because the teams have to make good use of their reviews.
Data Analytics
technology; big data and analytics are indispensable in contemporary cricket. Statistical information is processed in teams to gain insights with reference to opponents’ trends, players and game factors. By employing the big-data analytical approach, it becomes easier to make decisions concerning lineup, strategies during the games, or even training of individual players.
Conclusion
With advancement in technology the game of cricket has taken a new twist resulting into it being efficient , interesting and more so tactical. Today, these technologies assist the correct decisions of the referee in a match, and make the game more fascinating for spectators; to raise results and much more. Cricket is inevitable to undergo these changes with the help of technology that allows variety of more changes to this game making the game more and more attractive and competitive for all the players. The tactical use of technology has been beneficial in cricket in so many ways converting it to be efficient, interesting and most importantly tactical
