Why can't third umpire look at replays for no-balls, asks Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist during a cricket coaching clinic at the Karnatak Sporting Ground, Cross Maidan yesterday. Pic/ Suresh Karkera

Former Australian skipper Adam Gilchrist feels there is no need for an additional umpire when there is already a third umpire to spot no-balls. A move to have an umpire only to spot no-balls and height of deliveries which could be deemed no-balls was discussed at the IPL Governing Council meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Gilchrist led Deccan Chargers to their 2009 IPL win in South Africa and was Australia's captain when Ricky Ponting was injured for most part of their Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in the 2004-05 season.

"Whether you need a fourth umpire...maybe not. Why can't the third umpire just look at the replay and just go not out. That is the simpler version I would have thought," Gilchrist said in response to mid-day's query on the necessity of another umpire. However, Gilchrist had no issues in having an additional umpire provided he gives the right decision. He said: "If it means having a fourth one [umpire] and he is going to get the right decision, I am all for it."

Gilchrist added: "It is pretty challenging for the on-field umpire to look down there [at the bowling crease] and look up there [at the batsman] with everything else going on. Surely, there was a replay last year [Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga bowling a no-ball against Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL] that showed it was a no-ball," he remarked.

When asked whether the presence of the additional umpire will slow things down, Gilchrist said: "No, because they can make the decision in an instant. I work in broadcasting and they can have a replay within five seconds."

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