ICC to trial two extra reviews after 80 overs of each Test innings from Oct 1

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly announced that Test teams will be allowed two extra decision reviews after 80 overs of an innings for a trial period starting from October 1, as a part of a change to the controversial Decision Review System (DRS).

The ICC statement came in the wake of the recent Ashes series, won 3-0 by England, which was beset by numerous rows over the use of DRS, with both sides unhappy at different times.

According to Sport24, teams are currently permitted only a maximum of two unsuccessful reviews per innings, adding that the new playing conditions will be in force for the return Ashes which begin with the first Test in Brisbane starting on November 21.

Confirming the trial, an ICC statement said that a Working Group would be constituted to consider how the ICC should best use technology in umpire decision-making in the future, adding that the trial will start from 1 October 2013 in all Test matches in which the DRS is used, with the results being monitored and considered by the Working Group.

The statement further said that although the performance of the Real-Time Snickometer during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and the Ashes has been noted keeping in view the numerous contentious decisions related to faint edges, an independent assessment of this technology would be conducted before any decision is made.

The statement also said that the ICC has endorsed the umpires' intention to become far stricter on poor over-rates and time wasting and to maximise playing time in conditions where it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile two white balls, one from each end, will continue to be used during a one-day international innings although this will be reduced to one ball when ODIs are cut to fewer than 25 overs in the first innings, the report added.