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[Saba Sports News] Cricket Australia plans to introduce third-umpire technology in all WBBL matches to ensure consistency between televised and streamed games, following recent officiating disputes, such as Mignon du Preez’s unusual run-out against Adelaide Strikers. Amanda-Jade Wellington’s run-out of Du Preez, using her non-ball hand to dislodge a stump, highlighted the need for a third umpire.
In a separate incident, Melbourne Stars faced an unjust decision against Adelaide when Rhys McKenna was wrongly given out stumped during a streamed match. These incidents have underscored the importance of having a third umpire in WBBL matches.
Cricket Australia is addressing this concern for the upcoming season, expanding the Decision Review System from 24 free-to-air matches to an additional 10 games. Discussions are ongoing to install dedicated run-out cameras for all matches, ensuring a third umpire’s availability in every WBBL fixture.
Alistair Dobson, Big Bash boss, emphasized the league’s commitment to continuous improvement and mentioned the growth of technology and facilities in the WBBL for the upcoming season. Additionally, Cricket Australia is exploring strategies for the league’s future, including reducing the regular-season matches to 40 and introducing a ‘stadium series’ with matches at prestigious venues like Adelaide Oval, MCG, and SCG later in the tournament.