3 minute read
Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond says Cricket Australia must bring umpire reviews in immediately, saying concerns about stoppages don't stand up.
Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond wants the introduction of reviews in the Big Bash League immediately, claiming their absence shows Cricket Australia is "out of touch".
The BBL this week passed the halfway mark of the 61-game competition, with every team having played their seventh match by Wednesday night.
The prospect of umpire reviews has become the chief talking point of the competition, with howlers having regularly attracted headlines.
Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson has already indicated a review system will be seriously considered for next summer, likely in a watered-down version of the international system.
While that would address the issue of cost, the other main concern is believed to time delays with matches already going longer and some double-headers clashing.
Bond claimed that reasoning didn't stand up based on other delays in games, believing the halfway point in the competition is the time to make the change.
"You're using TV replays for catches on the half-volleys, no-balls, run outs and boundaries where you waste a real amount of time," Bond told AAP.
"But they won't bring in a review.
"You would hope that CA would just listen to the fans. The fans want one thing and that's decision reviews.
"Players want it, the fans want it.
"I think if they were pragmatic enough to allow a review with the technology it would satisfy everyone.
"For whatever reason they don't want to do it.
"It just reeks of them not being in touch with the people and they're not prepared to listen."
Dobson claimed a change won't be made mid-season, insistent it must be clear the system is right first.
Bond was part of a consultation process for the Big Bash's new rules this summer, but said he was not a fan of the Bash Boost or X-Factor.
While he preferred the Power Surge he claimed it had contributed to the length of games, with fielders going back earlier and more tactical stoppages.
Former Black Caps quick Bond said he believed play was at times held up waiting for broadcasters, as well as by the in-stadium DJ.
While full-blown technology such as snicko and hot spot would add to those delays, Bond was in full support of using the replays that are already available.
"One replay would have removed 90 per cent of the howlers in the tournament, and those decisions impact on games," Bond said.
"If they just came out now at the halfway mark of the tournament, and said 'we got it wrong, let's bring in the decision review with the technology we've got'.
"That would make life for the umpires and everyone else easier."
Meanwhile, Bond said the second-placed Thunder would take a cautious approach with allrounder Daniel Sams, and whether they bring him back from a concussion to face the Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday.
