Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes on-field third umpire can help in cutting down the errors

04/04/2018

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Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that on-field third umpires can play a massive role in reducing the no-balls and keeping an eye out on where the ball is going. He has also felt that stricter punishments should be given for those involved in a shameful work like ball-tampering.

There have been a lot of talks about how the right call can be made on the field. Experts and players have often criticized the quality of umpiring, especially during crunch moments. No-balls are not called on some occasions while there are poor decisions that affect the state of the game. While there have been opinions far too many, former leg-spinner Sivaramakrishnan gave a suggestion of having a third umpire on the field.

“There is a school of thought that the third umpire should stand in line with the popping crease so that he can spot foot-fault no-balls. Presently, the bowlers are checked for no-balls using television replays only in the event of dismissals. But what about no-balls on the other occasions that are not seen by the on-field umpires,” Sivaramakrishnan was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“The same third umpire should also be given the job of following the ball on the ground as it is tossed from fielder to fielder and look for any possible mischief.”

“This will not only curb instances of ball tampering, improve the calling of no-balls but also enhance the quality of umpiring since the umpire can now completely focus on the ball and the batsman instead of looking at the feet of the bowler as he delivers and then switch his attention to the ball. If you are looking at cricket’s future, the third umpire has to play an important on-field role,” Siva added.

After the ball-tampering scandal broke out, there have been claims for umpires to be stricter and alert than before. In the past, some players have tried to alter the condition of the ball which gives an advantage to the bowlers. The quality of umpiring has always been in question and Sivaramakrishnan believes the third umpire will play a key on-field role in the future.

“We need to make ball tampering a level IV offence, from the level II it is now,” the former leg-spinner added.