Howzat! Did it touch the bat?
The Snickometer has the answer
Tennis has Hawk-Eye, which can tell if a ball is in or out; cricket not only has Hawk-Eye and Hot Spot, but the Snickometer too.
"Snicko" has created a quiet revolution for cricket umpires and is all about sound - even very quiet instances of sound. The technology analyses both sound and video footage to prove whether a "snick" (noise) has been made as ball passes bat. If yes, and it's the right noise, well then, the ball did hit the bat, on its way through to a catch by the wicketkeeper or fielder.
Commentators can view the shape of the recorded soundwave. Leather (ball) on Willow (bat) is usually a short sharp sound. The leather hitting the batsman's pads or the bat hitting the grass pitch will make a totally different shaped wave.
The science is the brainchild of a British computer scientist, Alan Plaskett, the clever brother of chess Grandmaster James Plaskett. "Snicko" was developed in the mid-1990s and Plaskett is also responsible for Flightpath, another piece of technology which helps cricket commentators get a full picture of the match action.
As with Hawk-Eye, it was Channel 4 in this country which was the first to adopt the technology in its coverage of the cricket. Channel 9 in Australia now also uses it. The level of detailed information that it provides is a revolutionary aid for commentators, using slow motion television replay. It's a revolution because it can definitely prove if a batsman should be out.
However, all over the world, the umpire still has to rely on his own senses to make his initial call. No pressure
Tell us your Quiet Revolution and you could win a trip to see Kylie Live 2011 in Las Vegas
Win a trip for two to see Kylie's show in Las Vegas on 22 May. Just tell us about your quiet revolution for London. All the entries from the competition will be judged by a panel from Lexus and the Evening Standard. The panel will select one winner who inspired them the most. The winner and the winning entry will be featured in the Evening Standard.
HOW TO ENTER:
For a chance to win a pair of tickets simply tell us, in no more than 100 words, about your quiet revolution for London by 21 April 2011. For further information and to enter CLICK HERE.
Terms apply, click here for full details. Terms and conditions: the prize is a pair of tickets to see Kylie Live 2011 in Las Vegas on 22 May 2011, and includes return flights from a London airport and accommodation for three nights for two people. Transfers, insurance and visas not included. Entrants agree to take part in publicity if required. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges from Lexus and the Evening Standard. Competition closes at 23.59 on 21 April 2011. The winner will be notified by phone on 28 April 2011. Promoter: Lexus.
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