Over the years cricket has incorporated into the game a few of the latest technological advances available. The use of portable and wireless devices has made it possible to allure the game for viewers and players.
Here there are descriptions of few technologies that have changed the game of cricket.
Third Umpire
The third umpire has been used to supplement the role of the two umpires on the ground. The third umpire sits off the ground with access to TV replays of certain situations (such as disputed catches, boundaries and run out) to advise the central umpires. The umpires out on the field are in communication via wireless technology with the other umpire.
HAWKEYE
SNICK-O-METER
A very sensitive microphone located in one of the stumps, which can pick up the sound when the ball nicks the bat. This technology is only used to give television audiences more information and to show if the ball did or did not actually hit the bat. Unfortunately, at this stage, the umpires do not get the benefit of hearing 'snick-o', though a Real-time Snick-o-meter is being developed to supplement Hot Spot technology.
Ball Spin RPM
The RPM (revolutions per minute) technology was started in 2013 Ashes series, showing how fast the ball was spinning after release. It is not clear how this is measured, though it would need a high-speed camera focused on the ball, possibly using the same images that are captured for the Hawkeye system.
Hot Spot
The hot spot technology is mostly used to review whether the bat has hit the ball, particularly when there is a small nick. If there is contact, the small amount of heat generated is indicated by a change to that area of the bat. Hot Spot uses two infra-red cameras positioned at either end of the ground. These cameras sense and measure heat from friction generated by a collision, such as a ball on pad, ball on bat, ball on ground or ball on glove. Using a subtraction technique, a series of black-and-white negative frames is generated into a computer, precisely localizing the ball's point of contact.
Other Technology and Rule Change Ideas
Helmet Cams
Use of lasers to compliment run out decisions.
Use of sensors in bails and in the boundary rope to determine if the batsman is out OR hit a 4.
Use of a stump camera to determine close catching decisions.
Use of yellow & red cards to suspend players from the game of repeatedly flouting rules.
Use of technology to give the distance the ball carried (ex. how far a 6 is hit)
Use of biodegradable paint to colour the infield and outfield.
