Laxman Sivaramakrishnan suggests methods to curb ball tampering

Former Indian cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan is very critical about his opinions on the ball tampering cases. The cricket world was recently jolted severely by the ball tampering incident in the South Africa vs Australia series. As a result of the fiasco, three talented cricketers have been slapped with hefty impositions. As per the recent quotes in Sportstarlive, the former Indian leggie noted that the third umpire will have to play a crucial role in the game.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that the third umpire should have his eyes on the popping crease. He should keep a check on the no balls every time. Also, the third umpire must ensure that he keeps a vigilant eye on the ball on the field. He must see what happens with the ball as it is transferred from one cricketer to another during the course of the game. This will help curb the cases of the ball tampering.

“There is a school of thought that the third umpire should stand in line with the popping crease so that he can spot foot-fault no-balls. Presently, the bowlers are checked for no-balls using television replays only in the event of dismissals. But what about no-balls on the other occasions that are not seen by the on-field umpires. The same third umpire should also be given the job of following the ball on the ground as it is tossed from fielder to fielder and look for any possible mischief,” Laxman Sivaramakrishnan  quoted.

“This will not only curb instances of ball tampering, improve the calling of no-balls but also enhance the quality of umpiring since the umpire can now completely focus on the ball and the batsman instead of looking at the feet of the bowler as he delivers and then switch his attention to the ball,” he added further.

Third umpire should play a big role

Speaking further on the same note, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan stressed on the fact that for the game to improve and stay clean, such drastic measures need to be taken. And for things to stay under control, then the third umpire has to play a bigger role in the modern day game. This will not only keep a check on the no-balls but also curb the cases of ball tampering.

“If you are looking at cricket’s future, the third umpire has to play an important on-field role. We need to make ball tampering a level IV offence, from the level II it is now,” remarked the former cricketer.

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