DRS in Cricket Explained: Reviews, Ball-Tracking, Umpire’s Call

The Decision Review System, usually called DRS, has changed how cricket decisions are made. Players can now challenge an on-field umpire’s call, and technology helps the third umpire check what really happened. For newer fans, though, terms like umpire’s call and ball-tracking can be confusing.

This guide explains how a review works from start to finish, what technology is used, and why some reviews end without a clear answer.

What DRS Is For

DRS exists to correct clear mistakes, not to re-umpire every delivery. The on-field umpire still makes the original decision. A team that disagrees can ask for a review, and the third umpire, watching replays and data, either confirms or overturns that call.

The system is most often used for leg before wicket (LBW) decisions and for catches where the batter may or may not have edged the ball.

How a Review Is Requested

A review is asked for by forming a “T” sign with the arms. On the fielding side, the captain makes the request. On the batting side, the batter who was given out makes it, sometimes after a quick word with their partner.

The request must be made quickly, within a short time limit of around 15 seconds after the ball becomes dead. A timer is often shown on the big screen at international matches.

Each team has a limited number of unsuccessful reviews per innings. A review that overturns the decision is kept. The exact number allowed depends on the format and the playing conditions of the event.

The Technology Behind the Decision

The third umpire can use several tools, depending on what is available at the venue.

• Slow-motion replays from multiple camera angles, used to check no-balls, catches and run-outs.
• Edge detection, using sensitive stump microphones synced with video, to show whether bat touched ball.
• Infrared imaging, used at some events, which can show a heat mark where the ball made contact.
• Ball-tracking, which uses several high-speed cameras to map the ball’s path and project where it would have gone.

How LBW Reviews Are Judged

An LBW review follows a fixed sequence. The third umpire first checks for a no-ball and for any inside edge. Then ball-tracking is used to answer three questions:

1. Where did the ball pitch? A ball pitching outside leg stump cannot result in LBW.
2. Where did it hit the pad? The impact must be in line with the stumps, unless the batter offered no shot and the ball struck outside off stump.
3. Would it have gone on to hit the stumps?

If any answer rules out LBW, the decision is overturned to not out.

Understanding Umpire’s Call

Ball-tracking is a projection, so it carries a small margin of uncertainty. Umpire’s call is how DRS handles very close cases. If the projection shows that less than half the ball is hitting the stumps, or that the impact is only marginally in line, the original on-field decision stands.

This means the same delivery can end as out or not out depending on what the on-field umpire first decided. When umpire’s call is the reason a review fails, the team does not lose that review.

Fans often find this frustrating, but it reflects the principle that the on-field umpire’s judgement should only be reversed when the evidence is clear. Readers new to the game’s basics may find this broader beginner’s guide to cricket useful alongside this explanation.

Common Myths About DRS

• “Technology makes the decision.” In fact, the third umpire interprets the evidence and communicates with the on-field umpire.
• “Any decision can be reviewed at any time.” Reviews must be requested quickly, and only player-requested decisions count against the limit.
• “Umpire’s call means the technology failed.” It means the margin was too fine to justify overturning the original decision.

Closing Thoughts

DRS combines human judgement with technology to reduce obvious errors. Once you know the order of checks and the meaning of umpire’s call, reviews become one of the most interesting moments in a match rather than a confusing pause.

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