Challenge System

At the end of 2008, the ICC began trialling a challenge system in International Matches. This works as follows; When a decision has been made by the on-field umpire (either out or not-out), then either the batsmen or fielding player (depending on which way the decision went), can decide to refer the decision to the Third Umpire. This is signaled by making a "T" symbol with the arms. The Third Umpire can then use only basic technology to judge whether there is any reason to overrule the on-field umpires decision. If the Third Umpire decides that the on-field umpire made an incorrect decision then he will inform the on-field umpire, via headsets, of what he has seen and tell him to either change his decision or to stay with his original decision. This system is normally only used for LBW (to determine if the delivery meets all the LBW criteria) or caught behind decisions (to determine if the ball had made contact with the bat or gloves and thus been "hit").

Like the similar system used in tennis, each team gets three challenges per innings. If the challenge results in a reversed call, the team keeps the challenge; a challenge is therefore only deducted when a call is upheld.

This system is currently being used only in Test Match cricket. The system is also used in World Cup 2011.