Bacher to bend ears (17 May 1999)

17 May 1999

Bacher to bend ears

Peter Deeley

South Africa are to press the International Cricket Council for permission to use their controversial radio link with players on the field for their next World Cup game against Sri Lanka at Northampton on Wednesday.

The system of communicating via ear-pieces from the dressing room was used at Hove on Saturday in the match with India before match referee Talat Ali prohibited it.

The ear-pieces were being worn by South African captain Hansie Cronje and fast bowler Allan Donald, who were in touch with coach Bob Woolmer in the pavilion.

Now Ali Bacher, managing director of the United Cricket Board, is taking the matter up with ICC - probably through their three-man technical committee - as a matter of urgency.

An ICC spokesman said the council was willing to consider the issue further. "But it is unlikely we will see them used again during this World Cup because I don't think there will be time to get all the countries together to discuss it."

Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, meanwhile, has called for security to be stepped up at matches after an irate Indian supporter pushed Rahul Dravid and shouted at Azharuddin after the team's four-wicket defeat.

"We need to take these things very seriously, we need more security," said Azharuddin.

Adam Hollioake has escaped with a warning for making V-signs towards spectators during England's World Cup warm-up victory over Essex at Chelmsford last Sunday.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)