Third umpire: Cricket Australia makes big WBBL change

Scott Bailey |

This summer there will be a third umpire at every WBBL game.
This summer there will be a third umpire at every WBBL game.

Cricket Australia will bring in third-umpire technology for all Women’s Big Bash League matches and increase the use of DRS throughout the competition.

One year on from technology becoming a major sticking point for players, AAP can reveal a third umpire will be available for all 43 games in the shortened season this summer.

The third umpire will be able to rule on stumpings, run outs and contentious catches.

The move comes after third umpires were only available for 24 of 59 matches last season, amid a raft of mystifying and game-defining calls that went unchecked.

DRS will also go from being available in 24 games to 33, meaning an increase to 76 per cent of matches having the referral system available.

“The players, match officials and our clubs have all been really clear and consistent in their view that we need to continue to optimise the use of technology and infrastructure around our WBBL competition,” BBL boss Alistair Dobson told AAP.

“It’s great progress this year to be able to add a significant amount of initial matches that will add DRS, as well as an important base level of technology around run outs and stumpings and the like.”

The changes come as part of a rework of broadcast arrangements for this season, which begins with Adelaide hosting Brisbane on October 27

While 23 matches will continue to be simulcast on Seven and Foxtel, the latter have increased the broadcast quality of 10 of its stand-alone matches.

In turn, that has allowed for the increase in DRS availability to 33 games, with the other 10 games still produced externally.

There is a hope DRS could eventually be available to all matches, however challenges remain around set-up costs for less used venues.

“One of the strengths of the WBBL is to take elite women’s cricket all around the country, in the best venues and the local iconic venues,” Dobson said.

“It comes with some logistical challenges and a footprint that is constantly one we look to optimise and grow on. 

“The ability to continue to innovate our competition around that complex footprint is one of key focus areas.”

Cricket Australia have also confirmed an innings timer will be in use for WBBL matches this year, as it was for the men’s last summer.

If a team has not started their final over by 73 minutes into the innings, one less fielder will be allowed outside of the inner circle for the remainder of the innings.

AAP