6 Interesting Cricket Technology
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The 17th century is when the Gentleman’s game first appeared on the big screen. The sport of cricket has advanced and been introduced at various levels during the past five centuries. From the first international game between Canada and the United States (played in 1844 at the St. George’s Cricket Club in New York) to the most recent T10 and T20 Cricket Leagues, the sport has witnessed a number of groundbreaking discoveries, many of which have enhanced the viewing experiences of fans and, similarly, the lives of athletes.
Analytics is a key component and a key part of assessing a team’s success in modern sports, as well as analyzing failures and places for growth. The rules of cricket haven’t changed all that much throughout the years, but the technology required to compete at the highest levels has evolved a lot. There are several ways that technology has improved the game of cricket, including making it fairer, enabling greater standards to be met, and striving to provide fans with a better experience.
Every aspect of sports has been impacted by technological development, and cricket was no exception. The most significant technical advancements are listed here:
1. HawkEye — Ball Tracking System:
In order to explain the trajectory of the ball after it is released from the bowler’s hand, Hawkeye was created in 2001. In order to appeal to the commentators and spectators, broadcasters most frequently employ this technology to offer a different viewpoint view of the Leg Before Wicket (LBW) play. This technique creates a three-dimensional image of the ball’s trajectory using several cameras positioned all over the field or lined up underneath stadium roofs, aiding in the decision of LBW appeals. The Umpire Decision Review System uses it as well. As a result, there are fewer deliberate dismissals of players from games and less bribery of referees.
2. Snickometer and Hotspot:
Snickometer, commonly referred to as “Snicko” in the cricket lingo, was developed by Allan Plaskett to assist umpires in identifying edges and previous catches behind the wickets. When the ball’s surface contacts the bat or any other portion of the batsman, Snicko causes a disturbance in the graph. Snickometer listens for the sound of a strike and determines the surface of the impact using a microphone that is placed close to the stumps. The third umpire’s ability to reach a firm judgment is aided by the frequency’s form. It is necessary for all countries to have a Snickometer setup to host international matches and tournaments.
The use of HotSpot is another new development in cricket technology. But it came into play after it was allegedly determined that the Snickometer was not accurate enough. The HotSpot significantly aids in assessing the smallest edges and close bat-pad LBW screams by using an innovative infrared detecting device to identify the heat signature of the ball’s impact. It takes advantage of the cameras located at each end of the ground and offers data based on the heat and friction produced during a collision. Despite offering extremely accurate findings, the technology is not frequently used in cricket because of its price and delicate setup. It is mainly used in Australia.
3. Ball Spin RPM:
The Ball Spin RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) counter, which Sky Sports first used in the 2013 Ashes series, measures the ball’s rate of spin after it is released. Once the ball is off the pitch, it may measure the components of sidespin and top-or-backspin. As the speed gun was created for the Pacers, the RPM counter is a vital addition to cricket technology to gauge the talents and abilities of the spinners.
4. Spidercam:
The Spidercam, which offers viewers a distinctive angular vision of the contests, is another impressive advancement in the coverage of cricket matches and one of my favorites. A device called Spidercam allows cameras to move both vertically and horizontally across a predetermined region, such as the cricket field. Four motorized winches are used to move it; one is placed at each ground corner. A Kevlar wire attached to a gyro-stabilized camera carriage is used to control each winch. The camera can virtually reach every corner of the ground within its 3-dimensional coverage area thanks to this technique, which is managed by software.
5. Use of Different Chips:
Chips are installed in the bats and balls so as to measure the angle, bat speed, swing, and seam for various analysis purposes. These chips are inserted into the handles of the bat to study the motion of the bat while hitting the ball. These are exclusively designed to bestow complete versatility and ease to play. Chips in balls show the speed of the ball, the distance covered in six, and the damage caused in the limited-overs matches.
6. LED Stumps and Bails:
The LED Zing bails and stumps are the newest developments in cricket technology, and they are a little bit heavier than traditional wooden stumps. LED stumps were originally used in the 2013 Australian Big Bash League, and they were then used in the 2015 ICC World Cup, the 2014 and 2016 ICC World T20 Cups, and the Australian Big Bash League. The LED stumps were a Bronte Eckermann invention. Despite being a pricey piece of equipment, LED bails are frequently utilized to assist umpires in making accurate decisions on run-outs. When it receives an impact, the bail glows. It has a low-voltage battery, a microprocessor, and a sensor.
These new innovations are extensively been effective and serve as a treat for the viewers. They also help in analyzing and solving various nuances and chaosof the game of cricket.
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