Why I don't like.... on-field umpires adjudicating run-outs

After a sparkling response to The Trumpet's proposal to call the ball dead after the stumps are broken, I feel journalistically secure, if not psychologically secure, in venturing forth another proposal for a change in the laws.

The confusion surrounding run-outs was highlighted by Paul Collingwood's dismissal (right) in the Sixth England vs India ODI at The Oval today.

Having initially not called for the referral, the umpires appeared to influenced by the replay on the big screen and so belatedly called for the assistance of the TV umpire, who eventually gave Colly out. With big screens commonplace at international matches and hospitality suites all having flat screens to go with the flat beer, any non-referral that looks mistaken will get a huge crowd reaction - this genie is out of the bottle.

The Trumpet's proposal? When available, let TV umpires decide all run outs, referring back to the on-field umpires only if the pictures are inconclusive. This change would also avoid the farcical situation we see now of the on-field umpire running into the prescribed place to make their decision thereby blocking the cameras, but then referring to the TV umpire! What do Googlyers think? 

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]