CA eye-off third umpire for all WBBL games next season

A series of controversial calls have persuaded Cricket Australia to rethink WBBL officiating. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Cricket Australia will look to introduce third-umpire technology for all WBBL games next season in a bid to introduce parity between televised and streamed matches.

Inconsistencies in officiating have been highlighted time and time again this season, raising concerns from current and past players.

Hobart Hurricanes opener Lizelle Lee should have been out stumped for 12 on Monday night against the Sydney Thunder, only to be given not out and finish with 91.

Brisbane Heat's Mignon du Preez was also declared run out in bizarre fashion against Adelaide on Sunday night.

With the bails already off, Strikers bowler Amanda-Jade Wellington removed one of the stumps to effect the dismissal.

As she did not have the ball in the same hand that removed the stump, AAP has been told Du Preez should not have been ruled out.

And the Melbourne Stars copped a poor call the previous week against Adelaide, when Rhys McKenna was given out stumped despite replays clearly showing she was in her crease.

All instances happened in streamed matches, meaning no third umpire was available to rule on them.

It's understood Cricket Australia (CA) have already begun internal discussions to remedy the issue for next year.

After introducing the decision review system for the 24 free-to-air games last year, CA will expand that to include an extra 10 matches next season.

Talks are already in place to have fixed run-out cameras positioned for all other games, ensuring a third-umpire can be called upon in every WBBL match.

"We're always focused on continuous improvement around the competition, whether that's scheduling, players, technology or officiating," Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson told AAP.

"Next year is the first year of our new media rights agreement, which will bring with it some further growth in the technology and facilities available at WBBL games.

"We're really optimistic we'll be able to continue to improve and enhance WBBL matches around the use of technology and decision making."

CA continue to consider their long-term plans around the league, including a potential shortening to 40 regular-season games for next year.

Dobson launched the 'stadium series' in Adelaide on Monday, with WBBL matches to be played at Adelaide Oval, MCG and SCG later in the tournament.

Ellyse Perry spoke earlier this month of the ultimate goal of playing the majority of games in big stadiums in front of large crowds.

CA share a similar vision, with the Gabba likely to also host a game next summer as part of a longer-term goal of a closer balance between matches at suburban grounds and major stadiums.

"We'll look at the success of the stadium series post-season, and determine whether that can be expanded," Dobson said.

"If in the future, more games in these big stadiums suits the competition - our schedule, partners and players - I would love to think there's more."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store