DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC-The ICC is reporting progress in the production of a device to be worn by cricketers to detect illegal bowling actions.
ICC says it has entered an agreement with a consortium of high profile Australian cricket, sports science and sports engineering institutions to make the device.
Known as inertial sensor the technology is similar to that used in ipads, mobile phones and car crash impact detection systems.
A statement from the ICC said the device is expected to be light, cost effective and wearable on the bowler’s arm and will not hinder performance.
It is also expected to allow information about the throw like features of an illegal action to be assessed in near real time in both match and training environments.
“The ICC is keen to see this technology implemented in elite cricket and believe it will be a significant stride forward in detecting illegal bowling actions in match conditions” said ICC Chief Executive, David Richardson.
“We would also like to see the technology used in training environments as a tool to help bowlers correct their flawed bowling action. We are encouraged by the progress made so far by the Australian research team.”
The project is being developed over three phases with the final phase in 2014 scheduled to make the technology more comfortable for players as well as maximising wireless data transmission and battery life.
Bowlers who have been reported by umpires with a suspicious illegal action are currently required to attend an ICC approved biomechanics laboratory to assess the amount of elbow extension in their bowling action.
