26 Jun 2009

ICC accepts video review system

6:51 am on 26 June 2009

International cricketers will be allowed to challenge close umpiring calls after the controversial video review system was cleared by the sport's governing body.

The experiment, allowing players a set number of unsuccessful challenges per innings, was trialled in four test series before it came up for review last month.

The International Cricket Council approved the review system on a permanent basis on the first day of its board meeting in London.

It will come into operation from October, so England and Australia players will not be able to challenge decisions during the Ashes series starting next month.

Opinions on the system have been mixed among players, television commentators and fans.

There were concerns the authority of the umpires would be undermined, although the ICC says the positives far outweighed the negatives with more correct decisions being made.

The possibility of staging the first day-night test next year moved closer after the ICC said it would explore the idea further.