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ICC release figures for TV technology trial

Half of the lbw decisions referred to the third umpire for TV replays in the Champions Trophy have been given out, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.

World cricket's governing body is using this tournament as an experiment -- allowing lbw and bat-pad catches to be adjudicated by the third official after referral.

Figures released by the ICC showed that 11 decisions for the 'new' categories had been referred in the first six matches.

Eight were for lbw and three for caught decisions. Four of the lbw consultations were given out, while each of the three caught appeals were adjudged as not out.

"Any definitive conclusions on this trial will obviously have to wait until the end of the tournament, but these early figures give an interesting insight into progress so far," said David Richardson, ICC's general manager. Under rules in force for the one-day tournament, field umpires can refer any decision, including lbws and bat-pad catches, to the third umpire. He in turn can then study two TV replays before giving his verdict.

Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik made history by becoming the first batsman ever to be given out lbw by the third umpire in the opening game against hosts Sri Lanka.

South African TV umpire Rudi Koertzen ruled Shoaib had been trapped lbw for one after he was hit on the pads by left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas bowling over the wicket.

Umpire Daryl Harper referred the decision to Koertzen who decided the ball had been in line with the stumps.

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