More technology experiments in Champions Trophy

The ICC has announced that its experiments with technology will continue at the Champions Trophy in England in September. Two innovations will be tried out: in one, the umpires will be wired to stump microphones so that they can pick up audio signals from the stumps at the batsman's end, which may help them pick up thin nicks that would otherwise be inaudible across 22 yards. In the other, no-balls will be called by the third umpire.

No-balls were called by third umpires in the recent Videocon Cup in Holland as well, and although rain ensured that only one full 50-over match was played there, there was enough play to demonstrate that the experiment was worth persevering wth.

The umpires will be wired to the stump mikes in seven of the 15 one-dayers scheduled in the Champions Trophy.

The ICC also announced that the match referees for the tournament would be Chris Broad, Clive Lloyd, Ranjan Madugalle and Mike Procter. All eight members of their elite panel of umpires will be on hand, as will Billy Doctrove and Jeremy Lloyds.