DRS(Decision Review System) out of Sri Lanka vs Australia series

Tags: Australia tour of Sri Lanka - 2011, India, Sri Lanka, England, UDRS

Published on: Jul 16, 2011

Sri Lanka's board has reportedly decided not to use the Decision Review System (DRS) during the upcoming series against Australia, despite the ICC last month making the DRS mandatory for Tests and one-day internationals. The new rule does not take effect until October 1, meaning Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) can save some money by refusing to have umpire reviews in place for Australia's seven-week tour that starts in August.

Steve Smith saved himself with a review after being given out, Australia v England, 3rd Test, Perth, 3rd day, December 18, 2010

Sri Lanka's board has reportedly decided not to use the Decision Review System (DRS) during the upcoming series against Australia, despite the ICC last month making the DRS mandatory for Tests and one-day internationals. The new rule does not take effect until October 1, meaning Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) can save some money by refusing to have umpire reviews in place for Australia's seven-week tour that starts in August.

UpaliDharmadasa, the SLC interim committee chairman, told the Daily Mirror: "We have decided not to have the DRS for the Australian series." The technology required for the DRS is currently estimated to cost $5000 per day and with the SLC having financial difficulties, the board have decided not to use the system. Last month, SLC slashed its budget for the tour from 300 million rupees down to 100 million rupees, after the sports minister MahindanandaAluthgamage said austere measures had to be taken.

However, Dharmadasa said they would consider making the technology available if a sponsor could be found to help with the costs. This follows ICC chief HaroonLorgat's statements last month that the ICC will look for sponsors for the DRS.

If the review system is not in place for the Sri Lanka-Australia matches, it will be one of the last international series to be played without umpire reviews, following the ICC's decision to make the DRS compulsory. From October a revised version of the DRS, including Hot Spot but not ball-tracking technology, will be mandatory for all Tests and one-day internationals. National boards can decide whether to add the ball-tracking tools.

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