In a move that has shocked the cricketing world, Channel Nine listeners will be able to hear the umpires during the upcoming Australia vs South Africa ODI series.
All five ODI’s will be umpired onfield by Nigel Llong and Billy Bowden.
An ICC spokesman was quoted as saying:
We wanted the cricketing world to see the ICC as an open and transparent organisation. What better way than to open our books up to a forensic audit. Given that option was clearly off the table, this will just have to do.
Llong and Bowden were recorded trialling the system with Channel Nine producers during the week.
Llong: Umm, Hi 3rd Umpire. I would like to review a decision please.
Channel Nine: Hi Nigel. This is Johnno from the control room. I’m just testing levels. Can you say that again please?
Llong: That again please.
Channel Nine: Nigel, it’s Johnno again. Umm, I need you say a sentence or two.
Bowden: Is it my turn yet?
Channel Nine : No
Llong: Are you guys up there looking at the incident I referred?
Bowden: ‘HOWZAT!’
Channel Nine: What is going on down there? There is nothing to review. There isn’t even a game on. It’s just you two out there. This is a system test.
Llong: Shit Billy. He just pressed the red button. The Indians are threatening to take their team off the ground in protest.
Bowden: Check one two, one two, check one two, Nooooooot Ouuuuuuuut.
Channel Nine: Fellas, I’m hearing you loud and clear. What’s this thing about the red button?
Bowden: Hey Johnno, do you think white slacks make my arse look bigger on TV?
Llong: Billy, I can’t hear Meiyappan’s voice in the ear piece. How will I know when to call a no ball or give an LBW?
Bowden: Isn’t Johnno a code name for Meiyappan?
Llong: Oh yeah. Hey Johnno, how many runs am I letting Clarke make on Saturday night before I need to give him the raised finger?
Channel Nine : I don’t follow you Nigel?
Bowden: Yeah, and I want the same cheerleaders sent to my room that you gave Asad Rauf. He says they were smoking.Follow @denniscricket_
