Smart Replay System is set to debut with the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and here is everything you need to know about the 'Smart Replay System'.
What is the Smart Replay system and what it means DRS and television referees
The Smart Replay System is a new evaluation system that aims to improve decision-making efficiency and streamline the review process in cricket. The Smart Replay system is facilitated by the use of eight Hawk-Eye cameras strategically positioned around the ground. Alongside these two Hawk-Eye operators, they will also be present alongside the Television referees to deliver real-time images and data for faster decision-making analysis.
The new system abandons the traditional setup by eliminating the role of the TV broadcast director as an intermediary between the Hawk-Eye operators and the third referee. In the new system, the TV referee receives visuals directly from the operator, allowing him to access a wider range of images, including split-screen views and different angles.
All additional data combined and no intermediary in between is meant to enable a more comprehensive analysis. This can come in handy in critical situations such as burnouts, captures, and even LBW during a match in progress.
The Smart Replay system is also useful in DRS as the whole thing will be available for viewers as well as to keep up to date with what decision was made and why.
How it will work in real world scenarios
With the new smart replay system, it will now be possible to determine whether batsmen have crossed during an overthrow. Suppose the fielder throws the ball towards the stumps, but it goes over the boundary. The system uses high-speed cameras placed around the field to capture images of the batsmen's positions and the exact time the fielder releases the ball. These images can then be analyzed to determine whether the flippers crossed while the overthrow was in progress.