Controversial bowlers may reportedly be forced to wear hi-tech sensors during international matches in a bid to boot 'chuckers' out of the game.
Almost from the moment cricket sanctioned overarm bowling in 1864, the game has had to tackle allegations of bowlers who illegally throw the ball by straightening a bent arm, although now chuckers could be a thing of the past thanks to a hi-tech project, which is reaching its final phase.
According to News.com.au, Australian and overseas researchers, in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), are developing 'wearable technology', which will enable bowlers with questionable actions to be cited during matches by making them wear small devices attached to their arms that calculate their elbow flex.
The report mentioned that the information would be sent back to computers in the stands during matches, adding that the technology could be available to wear in matches within 18 months.
ICC general manager of cricket Geoff Allardice sees no reason why it will not be introduced into international cricket as it has been a contentious issue for cricket since over-arm bowling was introduced.
The current system of citing players and making them undergo laboratory testing within a month has been criticised because bowlers can potentially legalise their actions for testing but then revert to bowling illegally during matches.
If it comes to fruition, the solution could solve the chucking problem as not only would it force dodgy bowlers to fix their actions, it could also clear some legal bowlers who have found themselves under a cloud of suspicion, the report added.