Advances in technology have changed the way we play, watch and enjoy many sports, not least a good game of cricket! From apps to actual pieces of equipment that enhance gameplay, here are 4 different pieces of technology we wouldn’t be without!
Hotspot
Back when cricket was a game played on the local village green, who’d have thought we’d one day have technology that would allow users to determine where a ball has struck, if not immediately clear. Hotspot uses infrared imaging to do this very job, using two cameras located above the field of play on either sides of the ground that record continuously. As the ball makes contact, a bright spot will show on the infrared which indicates an elevated temperature of contact.
Hotspot is used in two ways:
- As an analysis aid for televised coverage (where referrals are not permitted)
- Enhancing the umpire’s decision making accuracy (in cases where referrals are permitted).
4K definition viewing
4K has changed the world of television viewing and with this our favourite sports are now clearer than ever! The first game of cricket to be broadcast live in 4K was in 2015; BT were chosen by Star India to show 7 ICC Cricket World Cup matches, including India’s opening match against Pakistan.
4K technology has improved significantly in the 6 years since this first live broadcast, and in 2018 we saw 4K Ultra HD broadcasting from Sky for England’s One Day Internationals and Twenty20 matches.
England Cricket app
The England Cricket app is free to download on all platforms and allows users to see the latest scores, news and videos.
- Users can customise the app so their favourite teams (on both international and national levels) are featured first, with personalised push notifications alongside to keep fully up to date.
- It has a Match Centre which features live scores, ball-by-ball updates, full commentary
- Users can also look back at historic Match results and upcoming fixtures
- Latest league tables at a fingertip
Download links:
CricFlex
CricFlex is a wearable arm sleeve that is embedded with sensors, which detects the wearer’s arm motion to flag any illegal bowling action taking place, in real time.
CricFlex has been developed by engineers in Pakistan and whilst not used in widespread cricket at the moment, the team are still working on marketing the technology to aid accurate umpiring and game play. They wish to make it available at grassroots level, for use during matches as well as training.