ICC calls for DRS in all formats of cricket

The controversial Decision Review System (DRS) should be used in all international matches, the cricket committee of the International Cricket Council recommended on Wednesday.

"The committee, while recognising the need to take account of existing (television) contracts, unanimously recommended the system be used in all Test matches, one-day internationals and Twenty20s," committee chairman Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, told a news conference here at Lord's following the conclusion of a two-day meeting.

He added teams should be restricted to one unsuccessful challenge per innings in one-day and Twenty20 games, rather than the current two to stop what Dave Richardson, the ICC's general manager for cricket, called the 'tactical' use of reviews.

"What we are trying to eradicate is the bad decision, not the fifty-fifty one," former South Africa wicketkeeper Richardson said.

The system, whereby players can challenge on-field decisions, was used in all matches throughout the recent World Cup in the subcontinent.

But for all other major international matches the agreement, in practice, of both sides is required although responsibility technically rests with the home board.

However, world champions India, have been opposed to the system almost from its inception and a controversial lbw decision during their World Cup tied match with England, where England's Ian Bell was given not out even though replays suggested he was in fact lbw, would not have softened their stance.

Nevertheless, Richardson insisted: "The level of believability in ball-tracking systems has improved.

"Hopefully, member boards and the India board will take cogniscance of that.

"We need considstency. It confuses the players and viewers if one series has DRS and the other not. Let us use it in every series possible."

The committee also recommended two separate balls, one from each end, be used in the course of a one-day international innings, rather than the current system whereby the ball is changed after 34 overs of a maximum 50 overs per side match.

They also suggested one bowling and batting powerplay from overs 16-40, putting both into the middle block of overs where there has been a complaint that one-day games can become staid.

At present the bowling powerplay is invariably taken after 10 overs with the vast majority of batting powerplays coming near or at the end of innings.

And the committee called for a captain to be be suspended for one match if his side were twice found guilty of a slow over-rate in the same format during a 12-month period rather than in three matches, as is presently the case.

They also said injured batsman should no longer be able to call for a runner in international matches.

But with regard to floodlit Test cricket, the committee said more research into the durability of coloured balls that would be used under lights was required before they could give the go-ahead.

The cricket committee's recommendations must be approved by the ICC's main board before they come into force. The board's nest meeting is in Hong Kong from June 26-30.