Quick answer
The Decision Review System (DRS) lets a fielding captain or a batter challenge an on-field umpire's decision. The third umpire checks it with replays, ball-tracking and edge-detection technology. Each team gets a limited number of unsuccessful reviews per innings, so choosing when to use one is part of the game, and part of how live prices move.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- DRS lets a fielding captain or a batter challenge an on-field decision, checked by the third umpire.
- A review must be requested within 15 seconds under ICC playing conditions.
- On umpire's call, the original decision stands and the reviewing team keeps its review.
- Markets usually suspend during a review and reopen at new prices once the decision is final.
- Markets settle on the final decision after any review, not the first on-field signal.
How does a DRS review work?
After an on-field decision, the batter or the fielding captain signals a review with a T. The third umpire checks the replays and technology, then tells the on-field umpire whether to keep or overturn the decision. Markets usually suspend during the review.
What technology does DRS use?
Four tools, and different series use different combinations of them.
- Ball-tracking, which predicts the ball's path for LBW decisions.
- Edge detection such as UltraEdge, which uses sound to show whether the ball touched the bat.
- Slow-motion replays from several camera angles.
- Thermal imaging such as Hot Spot, in some series.
What does umpire's call mean?
When ball-tracking shows the ball only clipping the stumps or the line, the evidence isn't strong enough to overturn the original decision. The on-field call stands, and the reviewing team keeps its review. Bets settle on the final decision.
How does DRS affect live betting?
Markets usually suspend while a review is running, then reopen once the decision is final. A wicket overturned by DRS can swing session and match prices sharply, so don't try to bet during a review. Wait for the market to reopen.
How is an LBW checked on review?
Ball-tracking answers three questions in order. Did the ball pitch outside leg stump? If so, it can't be out. Did it hit the pad in line with the stumps, unless the batter offered no shot? Would it have hit the stumps? Only when all three point to out does the third umpire give it, and marginal answers to the last two fall into umpire's call.
How long does a player have to ask for a review?
Under ICC playing conditions, 15 seconds from the on-field decision. That's why captains consult the bowler and keeper so quickly. The batter or fielding captain signals with a T, and the third umpire then checks the technology before the on-field umpire confirms the final decision.
Where did DRS come from?
It was first trialled in a Test series between India and Sri Lanka in 2008, before becoming part of international playing conditions. Ball-tracking and sound-based edge detection now do most of the work, and reviews per innings are limited.
How should bettors think about DRS?
Three points worth keeping in mind during a live game.
- A team with no reviews left is more exposed to a wrong decision late in an innings.
- Close LBW calls often end as umpire's call, so the original decision tends to stand.
- Markets settle on the final decision after any review, not the first on-field signal. See the betting rules.
Still wondering?
Frequently asked questions
01Who can ask for a DRS review?
The batter given out, or the fielding captain when a not-out decision is given.
02How many reviews does each team get?
A limited number of unsuccessful reviews per innings, depending on the format.
03Does a team lose a review on umpire's call?
No. The team keeps its review.
04Are markets suspended during a review?
Usually, and they reopen at new prices once the decision is confirmed.
05How long does a team have to ask?
15 seconds under ICC playing conditions.
06Can an LBW be given if the ball pitched outside leg?
No.
Found it useful?
Share this guide
Written by
KhelKing Cricket Desk
IPL, T20 and international cricket
The cricket desk writes KhelKing's match previews and market guides, from toss and session lines to Dream11 picks, and checks each market name against the live exchange before a post goes up.
Before you bet
Betting carries financial risk and is for adults 18 and over. Only stake money you can afford to lose, and check how the law applies where you live.
Support can add a deposit limit or pause your ID in one message. If gambling stops feeling like fun, free help is available:
