DRS (Decision Review System)
Also known as: decision review system, DRS, player review, DRS review, reviewing a decision, how DRS works
DRS lets players ask the third umpire to review an on-field decision on whether a batter is out. Only the batter given out can review an out, and only the fielding captain can review a not out. The request is a 'T' sign within 15 seconds. DRS comes from ICC playing conditions, not the Laws of Cricket.
DRS is set out in the ICC's playing conditions for international cricket, and some other top competitions use it. It needs broadcast cameras and approved technology. Club cricket does not use it. The third umpire can use replays at any speed, stump-microphone sound, ball-tracking, and sound-based and heat-based edge detection. Approved systems include Hawk-Eye ball-tracking, UltraEdge and Real-Time Snickometer for edges, and Hot Spot cameras.
A player asks for a review by making a 'T' sign with both forearms. It must be made within 15 seconds of the ball becoming dead. The two batters may talk to each other, and the captain may talk to the bowler and fielders. No signals from the dressing room are allowed. Any dismissal decision can be reviewed except timed out. The on-field umpire reverses the decision only if the third umpire's evidence shows it was wrong. If the evidence is inconclusive, the on-field decision stands.
Each team has a limit on unsuccessful reviews per innings. Under the ICC men's playing conditions, it is three in Tests and two in ODIs and T20 internationals. A successful review does not count against the limit. For LBW, ball-tracking shows where the ball landed, where it hit the batter and whether it would have hit the stumps. When the impact or the hit on the stumps is marginal, the result is 'umpire's call'. The original decision then stands, and the review does not count against the team.
Tips by skill level
In matches with DRS, a batter can discuss a review only with their batting partner. Decide quickly, then make a clear 'T' sign.
Save reviews for clear doubts, such as a ball you felt you hit or one you believe pitched outside leg. Marginal LBWs often end as umpire's call, and the on-field decision stands.
Example
Given out LBW, the batter thinks the ball pitched outside leg stump. He checks with his partner and makes a 'T' sign within 15 seconds. Ball-tracking shows it pitched outside leg, and the decision is reversed.
Why it matters
DRS corrects clear umpiring errors in top-level cricket. Knowing when to review, and when not to, can save a wicket or a review.
Common mistakes
- Reviewing out of frustration rather than because of a likely error
- Taking too long to decide and missing the 15-second limit
- Thinking a teammate can review the striker's out decision for them
- Expecting a marginal LBW to be overturned when the result is umpire's call
Frequently asked questions
How does DRS work in cricket?
A player asks for a review with a 'T' sign within 15 seconds. The third umpire checks replays, sound and ball-tracking. The on-field umpire reverses the decision only if the evidence shows it was wrong. Inconclusive evidence leaves it unchanged.
How many DRS reviews does each team get?
Under the ICC men's playing conditions, each team may have three unsuccessful reviews per innings in Tests. In ODIs and T20 internationals the limit is two. Successful reviews, and LBW reviews that end as umpire's call, do not count.
Who can ask for a DRS review?
Only the batter given out can review an out decision. Only the fielding captain can review a not-out decision. Batters may consult each other and the captain may consult teammates, but no one may signal from the dressing room.
Sources
- ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), Appendix D: Player Review paras 3.1-3.2 (pp. 92-93), 3.4 (p. 94), 3.6 (pp. 97-98), 3.8 (pp. 98-99)
- ICC Men's ODI Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), Appendix D para 3.6.1: two unsuccessful reviews per innings (p. 96)
- ICC Men's T20I Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), Appendix D para 3.6.1: two unsuccessful reviews per innings (p. 95)
Related terms
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)LBW is a mode of dismissal. Under specific conditions, the umpire can rule the batter leg before wicket. That applies if the ball would have hit the stumps but the batter's pad intercepts it first.
- CaughtCaught is a way of being out in cricket. The batter is out when a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground, after it has come off the bat or a glove on the hand holding the bat (Laws 33.1 and 5.6).
- StumpedA batter is out stumped if the wicket-keeper breaks the wicket while they are out of their ground and not attempting a run. No other fielder may be involved. You cannot be stumped off a no ball, but you can be stumped off a wide. Keep part of your bat or body grounded behind the popping crease.
- Run OutA run out happens when a fielder puts down the wicket while a batter is out of their ground, whether or not a run is being attempted (Law 38.1). The batter is out.
- Ways to Be Out in CricketThe Laws of Cricket list nine ways to be out. They are bowled, caught, hit the ball twice, hit wicket, LBW, obstructing the field, run out, stumped and timed out. A batter can also be recorded as 'retired out'. Off a no ball, only hit the ball twice, obstructing the field and run out apply.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.