Cricket Australia makes big changes as third referee after controversial catch of Marnus Labuschagne

Cricket Australia will consider changing the way a broadcast of video signals is provided to the third umpires following a controversial not-out decision on day one of the third Test against South Africa in Sydney.

Simon Harmer appeared to have dismissed Marnus Labuschagne to 70 with a low catch in the slips. Despite the referee’s gentle signal-off, third referee Richard Kettleborough ruled the ball had rebounded before it got into Harmer’s hands.

Cricket Australia will consider changing the way a broadcast of video signals is provided to the third umpires following a controversial not-out decision on day one of the third Test against South Africa in Sydney

Simon Harmer appeared to have dismissed Marnus Labuschagne to 70 with a low catch in the slips. Despite the referee’s gentle signal-off, third referee Richard Kettleborough ruled the ball had rebounded before it got into Harmer’s hands

Kettleborough mainly reviewed side reps of the catch, but a frontal view from the Seven Network questioned the third referee’s decision when it was posted to social media on Wednesday.

However, Kettleborough did not have access to the angle as the third referee is currently only sighted by host broadcaster Fox Sports.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley defended the match officials’ decision but said CA was required to carry out a review that would determine whether to provide the third referee with footage from both television rights holders.

“The broadcasting of cricket is probably the most complicated of all major sports,” he told SEN.

“We have a huge number of cameras. Yesterday was really, really fine margins.

“The match umpires and referees make the best decisions they can with the information they have.

“We’re going to think about it and look at it and review it. We’ll look at it after the friendly.”

Kettleborough mainly reviewed side replays of the catch, but a frontal view from the Seven Network questioned the third referee’s decision when it was posted to social media on Wednesday

Poor light and wet weather spoiled the first day of testing, especially when play was suspended for two and a half hours in the afternoon.

“It was extremely frustrating, especially the combination of light and rain,” said Hockley.

But neither playing in low light nor switching to a pink ball is the answer, according to Hockley, who is awaiting upgrades to the SCG lights.

“The rules (about dim light) are clearly for safety,” he said.

Marco Jansen of South Africa (pictured) was furious with the decision

“I think changing the ball mid-game is really problematic. I think that brings a bit too much variability into play.

“I am confident that with lighting upgrades there is a big shift to LEDs from traditional incandescent bulbs that we will see less and less of these types of delays.”