The decision-review technology known as Hot Spot has been dumped just weeks before Australia’s Ashes series against England, reports said on Thursday.
The controversial infrared camera system has been dropped by the host broadcaster due to costs, Hot Spot’s Australian inventor Warren Brennan told Fairfax Media.
The decision-review device, which uses heat sensors and infrared cameras to detect contact between the ball, bat and pads, will now not feature in the showpiece five-Test series, beginning at Brisbane’s Gabba ground on November 21.
“It’s their decision and that’s what’s been communicated to us. As far as I’m concerned, it is final,” Brennan said.
“We’re just moving on with things. Channel Nine have got a new deal with Cricket Australia which I know has cost them a lot more money. I gather there had to be some restructuring of costs.”
The development leaves the ball-tracking component, Eagle Eye, audio evidence picked up by stump microphones and slow-motion replays as the remaining tools at the disposal of the third official for decision reviews in the Ashes.
