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The whole country seems to be smitten by the IPL bug and what makes it all the more exciting are the review options which can change the game. Use of technology in cricket is not a new thing, however the way it has evolved over the years has made the game more precise and accurate. Let’s have a look at some of the most celebrated technologies in cricket and used more recently used in the IPL.
One of the most sophisticated techniques devised in cricket is the Hawk eye vision. It comes into effect to know whether the batsman is out or not. It’s basically a complex computer program which predicts the trajectory of the ball once it leaves the ballers hand. The Hawk eye follows the most predictable on the line, length, wind pressure and the force by which the ball hits the pitch all of this data is then computed by an algorithm and the decision is given by the umpire based on that. It still isn’t the most full proof method but it’s as close as it gets to reality.
Hawk eye vision:
One of the most sophisticated techniques devised in cricket is the Hawk eye vision. It comes into effect to know whether the batsman is out or not. It’s basically a complex computer program which predicts the trajectory of the ball once it leaves the ballers hand. The Hawk eye follows the most predictable on the line, length, wind pressure and the force by which the ball hits the pitch all of this data is then computed by an algorithm and the decision is given by the umpire based on that. It still isn’t the most full proof method but it’s as close as it gets to reality.
Snicko:
The snicko-meter graphically represents a sound wave which is produced when the ball hits the bat or the batsman’s pad. The snicko which is a tiny device is placed in one of the stumps which essentially is a tiny microphone connected to an oscilloscope. Every time the ball nicks the bat snicko picks up the noise it creates and displays it to the third umpire to review the decision.
Stump cam:
Is miniature camera which sits at the edge of the wickets and displays images from pitch length perspective. There is a radio transmitter built in the cam which sends these images to the control room via radio waves.
Wagon wheel:
Depicts the pattern in which the batsman has scored runs in all four directions. This pattern is visually represented using colour codes. There is a different colour code for sixes, fours, twos and singles.
Speedo-meter:
Analyses the speed at which the bowler is throwing his deliveries. Radar gun installed in the direction in which the ball is thrown catch the velocity of the ball and calculates the speed in which it’s travelling. This is based on Doppler effect.
Hot spot:
This innovative technology makes use of two infra red cameras installed at both ends of the ground and records images continuously. Everytime the bat nicks the ball the Hot Spot creates a prominent white spot on the screen making it easier for the umpire to track the point of impact. This system is still under ICC’s review and we might see its use in the coming years.