Umpires to judge with earphones

At the ICC Champions Trophy umpires will be fitted with earpieces connected to stump microphone, designed to help them detect whether or not the ball has touched the bat.

The Champions Trophy will feature new technology trials which could have far-reaching effects on the game.

Umpires at the tournament will be fitted with earpieces which will be connected to stump microphone, designed to help them detect whether or not the ball has touched the bat.

This will be the first test of earpieces at elite level, following trials in South Africa's domestic cricket in March this year.

It is also planned for the third umpires to rule on no-balls, using dedicated cameras. This initiative was tried during the recent tri-series in Holland. Special filming of slow bowlers' action will take place too during the tournament, as a further aid to research being carried out by ICC in the wake of the controversy involving Muttiah Muralitharan.

The ICC has also recently confirmed stringent anti-drug controls to be put in place for the event.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said it is important the game complies with the rigorous anti-doping standards.

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