DRS in Cricket Explained: Decision Review System, Umpire Review, Ball Tracking, Ultra Edge & LBW
The Decision Review System (DRS) has completely changed the way close decisions are made in modern cricket.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!When an on-field umpire gives a batter out, or makes another reviewable decision, players can sometimes ask the third umpire to review the decision using television replays and technology.
You have probably heard commentators say:
- “The batter has taken the review.”
- “UltraEdge shows a spike.”
- “Ball tracking says umpire’s call.”
- “Impact is in line.”
- “Hitting the stumps.”
- “The decision stays with the umpire.”
- “Review retained.”
But what do these terms actually mean?
In this complete guide, we explain what DRS is, how a review works, who can request one, Umpire Review vs Player Review, ball tracking, UltraEdge, LBW reviews, Umpire’s Call, review limits and the role of the third umpire.
Sir Garfield Sobers Biography (1936–2026): The Greatest All-Round Cricketer in Cricket History
What Is DRS in Cricket?
DRS stands for Decision Review System.
It is a technology-assisted system used to help match officials make or review certain decisions.
According to the ICC, DRS allows:
- On-field umpires to consult the third umpire through an Umpire Review
- Players to request a review of certain on-field decisions through a Player Review
The complete protocol is defined in the playing conditions of the particular competition.
DRS is therefore not simply “the TV replay system.”
It is a structured process involving:
On-field Umpire + Player/Captain + Third Umpire + Technology
Why Was DRS In Cricket Introduced?
Cricket decisions can sometimes be extremely difficult to judge in real time.
For example:
- Did the ball hit the bat or pad first?
- Was the catch clean?
- Did the ball hit the stumps?
- Was the batter inside the crease?
- Did the fielder touch the boundary?
- Was the delivery a No Ball?
- Would the ball have hit the stumps in an LBW decision?
Technology can provide additional evidence in such situations.
The purpose of DRS is therefore to help the officials reach the correct decision when technology can provide useful factual information.
What Is the Third Umpire?
The Third Umpire is the match official who works with the available television replays and approved review technology.
The third umpire can assist the on-field umpires in situations covered by the applicable playing conditions.
The ICC’s current DRS framework gives the third umpire jurisdiction over both Umpire Reviews and Player Reviews.
The third umpire does not simply watch the same replay shown to television viewers.
They have access to specific camera angles and approved technologies needed to investigate the incident.
Umpire Review vs Player Review
There are two important types of DRS review.
1. Umpire Review
An Umpire Review is initiated by the on-field umpire.
The umpire may refer certain decisions to the third umpire when additional information is required.
Examples can include:
- Run Out
- Stumping
- Bowled
- Hit Wicket
- Catches
- Boundary decisions
- Other situations covered by the competition’s playing conditions
The exact categories depend on the applicable playing conditions.
2. Player Review
A Player Review is requested by the players.
For example:
The umpire gives the batter:
OUT
The batter believes the decision is incorrect.
The batter can request a review if the decision is eligible under the playing conditions.
Similarly, the fielding captain can request a review of a Not Out decision in an eligible dismissal situation.
The ICC’s current DRS protocol states that Player Reviews can be requested for eligible dismissal decisions and certain No Ball decisions, with specific restrictions.
What Is the DRS “T” Signal?
When a team wants a Player Review, the player makes a T-shaped signal with both forearms.
This tells the umpire:
“We want a review.”
The umpire then communicates the review request to the third umpire.
In the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 playing conditions, the review request must be made within the specified time limit after the ball becomes dead. The protocol gives a maximum of 15 seconds for the request.
Who Can Ask for a Review?
This depends on the type of decision.
Under the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 DRS protocol:
If the decision is Out
The batter involved in the dismissal may request the review.
If the decision is Not Out
The captain or acting captain of the fielding team may request the review.
For a No Ball decision
Specific players are permitted to request reviews depending on whether the umpire called or did not call a No Ball.
The precise procedure is competition-specific, so players and teams follow the playing conditions applicable to that match.
How Does a DRS Review Work?
A simplified DRS process looks like this:
Step 1 — On-Field Decision
The umpire makes a decision.
For example:
LBW — OUT
Step 2 — Review Requested
The eligible team requests a review.
Step 3 — Third Umpire Receives the Review
The on-field umpire communicates the relevant information.
Step 4 — Technology Is Checked
The third umpire examines the appropriate evidence.
This may include:
- Broadcast replays
- Stump microphone audio
- Ball tracking
- Sound-based edge detection
- Other approved technology
Step 5 — Evidence Is Evaluated
The third umpire determines whether there is enough evidence to change the original decision.
Step 6 — Final Decision
The on-field umpire communicates the final decision.
The original decision may be:
- Reversed
- Upheld
- Unchanged because of Umpire’s Call
- Determined through another applicable review outcome
What Technologies Are Used in DRS?
Modern DRS can use several technologies.
The ICC’s 2026 T20 World Cup playing conditions specify approved technology including:
- Broadcast replays
- Stump microphone audio
- Approved ball-tracking technology
- Sound-based edge detection
- LED wickets/stumps
- Other technology approved under the relevant standards
The document specifically identifies Hawk-Eye for approved ball tracking and UltraEdge for sound-based edge detection in the applicable DRS protocol.
What Is Ball Tracking?
Ball tracking is used to reconstruct the path of the cricket ball.
It is particularly important for LBW reviews.
During an LBW review, the system provides information about three major parts of the ball’s path:
- Pitching
- Impact
- Wicket
The ICC protocol specifically describes these three stages for LBW reviews.
What Does “Pitching” Mean in DRS?
Pitching refers to where the ball landed before reaching the batter.
During an LBW review, ball tracking determines whether the ball pitched:
- In Line
- Outside Off
- Outside Leg
Under the applicable LBW conditions, a ball pitching outside leg cannot result in an LBW dismissal.
What Does “Impact” Mean?
Impact means the position where the ball first makes contact with the batter’s person.
For an LBW decision, the location of this impact is extremely important.
The technology can categorize impact according to the applicable impact zone.
Depending on the circumstances, the result may be:
- In Line
- Umpire’s Call
- Outside
The batter’s attempt to play the ball can also affect how the LBW conditions are applied.
What Does “Wicket” Mean in Ball Tracking?
The third stage is:
Wicket
The technology predicts whether the ball would have hit the stumps if the batter had not been in the way.
The result may be shown as:
- Hitting
- Umpire’s Call
- Missing
The applicable protocol determines how these outcomes affect the original decision.
What Is UltraEdge?
UltraEdge is a sound-based edge-detection technology used during reviews.
It works with audio captured around the wicket area to help determine whether the ball made contact with the bat.
For example:
The ball appears to pass very close to the bat.
The third umpire checks:
- Video replay
- Slow motion
- Audio waveform/spike
- Stump microphone sound
If there is evidence of contact, the third umpire can use it when determining the decision.
The ICC’s current DRS protocol lists UltraEdge as an approved sound-based edge-detection technology.
What Is a “Spike” on UltraEdge?
During an UltraEdge review, viewers may see a spike on the audio waveform.
A spike may indicate a sound associated with contact.
However, the third umpire does not simply look at one isolated spike and automatically declare the batter out.
The evidence is considered alongside:
- Video replay
- Timing
- Ball position
- Bat position
- Other available information
The third umpire is responsible for evaluating the available evidence.
What Is Snickometer?
Snickometer is a term commonly used by cricket viewers for technology that helps detect edges through sound and replay analysis.
Modern international DRS protocols may specify particular approved technologies rather than using “Snickometer” as the formal name of the system.
For example, the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 protocol specifically identifies UltraEdge as the approved sound-based edge-detection technology.
So, when watching a modern international match, you will often hear commentators refer to UltraEdge rather than simply Snickometer.
What Is Hawk-Eye?
Hawk-Eye is a technology provider whose ball-tracking system is used in cricket DRS.
Ball tracking is particularly important for:
LBW decisions
because it can reconstruct the ball’s path and show whether it would have hit the wicket.
The current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 DRS protocol identifies Hawk-Eye as approved ball-tracking technology.
What Is Umpire’s Call?
Umpire’s Call is one of the most misunderstood parts of DRS.
It applies to certain marginal LBW outcomes where the technology does not provide enough certainty to overturn the original on-field decision under the applicable protocol.
The ICC’s current DRS protocol includes Umpire’s Call for marginal decisions involving:
- Impact
- Whether the ball would have hit the stumps
Why Does Umpire’s Call Exist?
Cricket still retains an important human element.
The technology has limits, especially when a decision is extremely close.
Therefore, the DRS protocol does not treat every marginal prediction as an automatic reversal.
If the review falls into the relevant Umpire’s Call category, the original on-field decision remains unchanged.
Does Umpire’s Call Count as an Unsuccessful Review?
This is an important current rule.
Under the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 playing conditions, an LBW review that remains unchanged solely because of Umpire’s Call is categorized separately as:
Unchanged – Umpire’s Call
and does not count toward the innings limit for unsuccessful reviews.
However, the exact review system should always be checked against the playing conditions of the specific competition.
How Many DRS Reviews Does a Team Get?
The number of reviews is determined by the applicable competition’s playing conditions.
For example, under the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 playing conditions, each team can make a maximum of two Player Review requests categorized as unsuccessful in each innings. Successful reviews do not count toward that limit, while certain outcomes such as Umpire’s Call are treated separately.
Therefore, it is better not to assume that every cricket tournament uses exactly the same review allowance.
What Happens When a Review Is Successful?
If the third umpire’s review causes the original on-field decision to be reversed, the review is classified as:
Successful
Under the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 protocol, a successful review does not count toward the innings limit.
Example
On-field decision:
OUT
Review:
Technology shows the ball missed the stumps.
Final decision:
NOT OUT
The review is successful.
What Happens When a Review Is Unsuccessful?
Suppose:
On-field decision:
OUT
The batter reviews.
Technology confirms the original decision.
Final decision:
OUT
The review is classified as unsuccessful under the applicable protocol.
Such a review can count toward the team’s review limit.
What Happens If the Technology Is Inconclusive?
Sometimes the available evidence does not provide enough certainty.
In that situation, the third umpire can report the evidence as:
Inconclusive
and the original on-field decision remains.
The current ICC protocol explicitly states that the third umpire should not provide a probability-based answer when the available technology cannot establish whether the decision should be changed.
This is why you may hear:
“The decision stays with the umpire.”
DRS for LBW — Step-by-Step
LBW is probably the most famous use of DRS.
Suppose the umpire gives:
NOT OUT
The fielding team reviews.
The third umpire checks:
1. Was the delivery legal?
The fairness of the delivery is checked.
2. Did the ball hit the bat first?
If the batter hit the ball with the bat before it struck the person, the LBW decision cannot proceed as a normal LBW dismissal.
3. Where did the ball pitch?
Possible results include:
- In Line
- Outside Off
- Outside Leg
4. Where was the impact?
The system examines where the ball first intercepted the batter.
5. Would the ball have hit the wicket?
Ball tracking predicts the ball’s path.
6. Final decision
The applicable LBW conditions are applied.
This is why an LBW review is much more than simply watching the replay once.
Why Can LBW Reviews Be So Complicated?
LBW involves several conditions that must be satisfied.
The review may depend on:
- Whether the ball pitched in a permitted area
- Whether the batter hit the ball first
- Where the ball struck the batter
- Whether the batter genuinely attempted to play the ball
- Whether the ball would have hit the wicket
- The original on-field decision
- Umpire’s Call provisions
The technology provides important information, but the Laws and playing conditions determine how that information is interpreted.
DRS for Catches
DRS can also assist with close catches.
The third umpire may examine:
- Whether the ball touched the bat
- Whether the catch was taken cleanly
- Whether the ball touched the ground
- Whether the fielder had control
- Whether the delivery was a No Ball
The current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 protocol specifically provides for third-umpire assistance in catch decisions and requires relevant checks during the review process.
What Is a Fair Catch?
A fair catch is a catch that satisfies the requirements of the Laws.
In close situations, the third umpire may use multiple camera angles and slow-motion replays to determine whether:
- The ball touched the ground
- The fielder had control
- The ball remained in the fielder’s possession
- The catch was completed legally
This is particularly important for low catches and boundary-edge catches.
DRS for Run Out
DRS is extremely useful for close run-out decisions.
The third umpire can use specialized run-out camera angles to determine:
- When the wicket was broken
- Where the batter’s ground was
- Whether the bat or body was behind the crease
- Which batter was involved
The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup DRS setup specifies multiple run-out camera positions as part of the minimum camera requirements.
DRS for Stumping
For a stumping review, the third umpire may check:
- Was the delivery a No Ball?
- Did the batter’s foot or body remain grounded behind the popping crease?
- Did the wicketkeeper legally break the wicket?
- Was the batter out of their ground?
Multiple replay angles can be used to determine the exact moment the wicket was broken.
DRS for No Balls
No-ball reviews can also involve technology.
For example, a third umpire may check whether the bowler’s front foot landed beyond the popping crease.
In modern international cricket, this checking can happen automatically or as part of the review process depending on the applicable playing conditions.
The current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 protocol specifically provides for third-umpire checking of No Ball issues in the relevant circumstances.
Can DRS Review a Wide?
Not every umpire decision is automatically eligible for a Player Review.
The DRS protocol defines which decisions can be reviewed.
Under the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Player Review provisions, a Player Review can be requested for eligible dismissal decisions and certain No Ball decisions, but not every umpire decision is reviewable.
Therefore, viewers should not assume that every Wide or other on-field call can simply be reviewed by a team.
What Happens When the Same Ball Has Multiple Events?
A single delivery can sometimes involve more than one incident.
For example:
- A batter could be run out.
- There could also be a possible catch.
- A No Ball could affect the dismissal.
The third umpire follows the applicable review protocol to determine the incidents in the correct sequence.
The ICC’s current T20 World Cup protocol contains specific provisions for combining Umpire Reviews and Player Reviews arising from the same delivery.
Can a Review Be Withdrawn?
Once a Player Review request has been made, it cannot simply be withdrawn under the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 protocol.
This is why teams need to make their review decisions carefully.
How Much Time Does a Team Have to Take a Review?
The exact time limit is defined by the applicable playing conditions.
For example, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 playing conditions specify that a Player Review request must be made within 15 seconds after the ball becomes dead. The umpire provides a prompt after 10 seconds if the request has not yet been made.
This explains why players often make the review signal very quickly after an LBW or catch decision.
Can Players Consult Before Taking a Review?
Yes, within the limits of the applicable protocol.
The current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 protocol allows the captain to consult with the bowler and fielders, while the two batters may consult each other before deciding whether to request a Player Review.
However, players cannot receive outside instructions from the dressing room or unauthorized sources.
What Is the Role of the On-Field Umpire After DRS?
The third umpire provides the relevant information, but the process still operates through the on-field officials.
If the review evidence establishes that the original decision was incorrect, the on-field umpire changes it.
The third umpire does not simply replace the on-field umpire’s role in every situation.
The current protocol specifically provides for communication between the third umpire and on-field umpire before the final decision is communicated.
Does DRS Make Cricket 100% Accurate?
No.
DRS can significantly improve decision-making, but it does not mean every decision becomes mathematically perfect.
Technology has:
- Camera limitations
- Tracking limitations
- Audio limitations
- Marginal cases
- Inconclusive evidence
This is one reason why cricket continues to use protocols such as Umpire’s Call and retains an important role for the on-field umpire.
Common DRS Terms Explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DRS | Decision Review System |
| Third Umpire | Official who handles reviews using available technology |
| Umpire Review | Review initiated by an on-field umpire |
| Player Review | Review requested by eligible players |
| Ball Tracking | Technology used to reconstruct the ball’s path |
| Pitching | Where the ball landed |
| Impact | Where the ball first hit the batter’s person |
| Wicket | Whether the ball would have hit the stumps |
| UltraEdge | Sound-based edge detection |
| Hawk-Eye | Ball-tracking technology used in DRS |
| Umpire’s Call | Marginal review outcome where the original decision remains |
| Successful Review | Review that overturns the original decision |
| Unsuccessful Review | Review that leaves the original decision unchanged, subject to protocol |
| Inconclusive | Evidence is insufficient to change the decision |
DRS and Umpire’s Call: Simple Example
Imagine the umpire gives:
LBW — OUT
The batter reviews.
Ball tracking shows:
- Pitching: In Line
- Impact: Umpire’s Call
- Wicket: Hitting
Because the relevant impact is Umpire’s Call, the original decision remains:
OUT
The review outcome is handled according to the applicable competition’s review protocol.
Why Do Teams Sometimes Lose Reviews Even When Technology Looks Close?
Because a review is not simply about whether the technology shows “some chance” that the umpire might be wrong.
The applicable protocol establishes thresholds and categories.
If the evidence does not meet the requirements for overturning the original decision, the original decision stands.
This is especially visible in marginal LBW decisions.
DRS in Test, ODI and T20 Cricket
DRS is used across major forms of international cricket, but the exact implementation can differ according to the competition’s playing conditions.
The ICC maintains separate playing conditions for formats and competitions such as:
- Test cricket
- ODI cricket
- T20I cricket
- ICC World Cups
- ICC World Test Championship
The ICC’s playing-conditions library currently lists separate documents for men’s Test, ODI and T20I cricket as well as major competitions.
Therefore, when discussing a specific DRS rule, always check the playing conditions for that particular tournament or series.
Why DRS Has Changed Cricket
Before DRS, a controversial umpiring decision generally remained the final decision on the field.
DRS introduced another layer of evidence.
It has changed:
- LBW decision-making
- Close catches
- Run-outs
- Stumpings
- Boundary decisions
- No-ball checks
- Match strategy
It has also changed the psychology of captains and players.
A captain now has to decide:
“Is this decision worth reviewing?”
That decision itself has become part of modern cricket strategy.
DRS Strategy: When Should a Team Review?
A good review is not simply about emotion.
Teams may consider:
- What did the batter feel?
- What did the bowler see?
- Was there an obvious edge?
- Did the ball appear to hit the pad first?
- Where did the ball pitch?
- How confident is the team?
- How many reviews remain?
- What is the match situation?
For example, a team may avoid wasting a review on a very uncertain LBW decision if the evidence strongly suggests the original decision will remain.
Common DRS Mistakes by Viewers
Mistake 1: “The ball is hitting the stumps, so it must be out.”
Not necessarily.
The complete LBW conditions must be satisfied.
Mistake 2: “Any spike means there was an edge.”
Not necessarily.
The timing and context of the audio and video evidence matter.
Mistake 3: “Umpire’s Call means the technology was wrong.”
No.
Umpire’s Call is a defined part of the review protocol for marginal decisions.
Mistake 4: “Every decision can be reviewed.”
No.
Only decisions eligible under the applicable playing conditions can be reviewed by players.
Mistake 5: “A successful review always means the team gets another review.”
Review allowances are governed by the applicable competition’s rules.
DRS vs Traditional Umpiring
| Traditional Umpiring | DRS-Assisted Umpiring |
|---|---|
| Primarily real-time observation | Uses observation + technology |
| Limited replay access | Multiple replay angles |
| Human judgment | Human judgment supported by technology |
| Close decisions remain immediately final | Eligible decisions can be reviewed |
| No ball tracking | Ball tracking can assist LBW |
| No edge-detection technology | UltraEdge can assist edge decisions |
DRS does not eliminate the umpire.
It adds another layer of evidence to the decision-making process.
The Simple DRS Formula
For viewers, remember:
Decision → Review → Replay → Technology → Evidence → Final Decision
For LBW:
Pitching → Impact → Wicket
For an edge:
Video → Audio → Contact
For a run out:
Crease → Wicket → Timing
Once you understand these three sequences, most DRS situations become much easier to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About DRS
1. What does DRS stand for in cricket?
DRS stands for Decision Review System.
2. Who operates DRS?
The third umpire manages the review process with the assistance of approved technology and communicates with the on-field umpires.
3. What is a Player Review?
A Player Review is a review requested by eligible players under the applicable playing conditions.
4. What is an Umpire Review?
An Umpire Review is initiated by the on-field umpire when assistance from the third umpire is required.
5. What is UltraEdge?
UltraEdge is a sound-based edge-detection technology used to help determine whether the ball made contact with the bat.
6. What is ball tracking?
Ball tracking reconstructs the path of the ball and is particularly important for LBW reviews.
7. What are Pitching, Impact and Wicket?
They are the three major stages shown by ball tracking during an LBW review.
Pitching = where the ball landed.
Impact = where the ball first struck the batter.
Wicket = whether the ball would have hit the stumps.
8. What does Umpire’s Call mean?
It is a defined DRS outcome for certain marginal LBW decisions where the original on-field decision remains unchanged.
9. Can every decision be reviewed?
No. Player Reviews are limited to decisions that are eligible under the relevant competition’s playing conditions.
10. Can a review be withdrawn?
Under the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026 DRS protocol, a Player Review cannot be withdrawn once requested.
11. How long does a team have to request a review?
The exact limit depends on the applicable playing conditions. For example, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 protocol specifies 15 seconds after the ball becomes dead.
12. Does Umpire’s Call count as an unsuccessful review?
Under the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 protocol, an LBW review that remains unchanged solely because of Umpire’s Call does not count toward the team’s unsuccessful-review limit.
13. Can DRS review a Run Out?
Yes, eligible run-out decisions can be referred to the third umpire under the applicable playing conditions.
14. Can DRS review a catch?
Yes, eligible catch decisions can be reviewed or referred under the applicable DRS protocol.
15. Does DRS replace the on-field umpire?
No. DRS assists the match officials; the on-field umpire remains an important part of the decision-making process.
Cricket Guide Series
Continue exploring our complete Cricket Guide:
- What Is Cricket?
- Cricket Rules Explained
- Cricket Formats Explained
- Cricket Equipment Guide
- Cricket Batting Guide
- Cricket Bowling Guide
- Cricket Fielding Positions
- Cricket Dismissals Explained
- Cricket Shots Explained
- Cricket Scoring & Scorecard Explained
Conclusion
The Decision Review System has become one of the most important technological developments in modern cricket.
It combines the judgment of the on-field umpire with the additional evidence provided by the third umpire, television replays, ball tracking, edge-detection technology and other approved systems.
The most important DRS concepts to remember are:
Player Review = requested by players
Umpire Review = initiated by the umpire
UltraEdge = helps detect edges
Ball Tracking = reconstructs the ball’s path
Pitching + Impact + Wicket = key stages of an LBW review
Umpire’s Call = certain marginal outcomes where the original decision remains
Review limits = determined by the competition’s playing conditions
DRS has not removed the human element from cricket. Instead, it has created a system where human judgment and technology work together to make difficult decisions as accurately and consistently as possible.
And the next time you hear the words:
“Review taken!”
you will know exactly what is happening behind the scenes.
✍️ About the Author
Fanish Jha
Fanish Jha is a digital publisher, website creator, and content editor focused on creating useful online resources for Indian audiences. He is the founder and editor of Pincode Of India, Jobs.PincodeOfIndia, Indian Swan, and Gaon Express.
His work includes website development, digital publishing, SEO, content research, and managing online platforms across postal information, government resources, e-commerce, and local services.
He aims to make online information clear, useful, accessible, and easy to understand.
Founder & Editor — Fanish Jha
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