Decision Review System (DRS)
In cricket, a technology-based system that lets players challenge on-field umpire decisions using replays, ball-tracking, and edge detection.
DRS stands for Decision Review System.
Definition
The Decision Review System (DRS) is cricket's formal process for reviewing certain on-field umpire decisions with technology. Each side is allowed a limited number of unsuccessful reviews per innings; a captain or batter signals a review, usually by making a 'T' shape with the arms, and the third umpire re-examines the decision using tools such as ball-tracking, edge detection from audio or infra-red, and slow-motion replays.
DRS is used mainly for decisions on dismissals, including leg-before-wicket and caught behind. Where ball-tracking is involved, an 'umpire's call' margin means marginal decisions stay with the on-field umpire's original ruling. The system aims to eliminate clear errors while preserving the on-field umpire's authority; it is cricket's counterpart to football's VAR and tennis's electronic line-calling, each tailored to its own sport.
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Commonly confused with
Close enough to be mixed up — the distinction is worth knowing.
- AppealThe Decision Review System (DRS) entry flags Appeal as the term it is most often mistaken for.
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR)The Decision Review System (DRS) entry flags Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as the term it is most often mistaken for.
- Third UmpireThe Third Umpire entry flags Decision Review System (DRS) as the term it is most often mistaken for.
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Officiating
- Video ReviewVideo review lets officials re-examine footage of a contested moment to confirm or overturn a close call — a goal, a line, a foul — an aid used across many sports.
- UmpireA match official who rules on lines, serves and dismissals in racket, bat-and-ball and net sports such as tennis, cricket and baseball — and, in racket sports, also keeps the running score.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
- RefereeThe primary on-field official who enforces the rules, controls play, penalises fouls, awards restarts, and blows the whistle to start and stop a match.
- Penalty SignalA standardized hand or flag signal an official uses to announce a foul, penalty, or restart so players, teammates, and spectators can read the call.
Decision making
- When to keep possessionJudging when to hold and recycle the ball rather than force a forward option — choosing patience and control over immediate progress.
- Reading spaceSeeing where space is — and is not — on the field or court, and using it to decide where to move, pass or play.
- Transition decisionsThe choices made at the moment a situation flips — winning or losing the ball, and switching between attack and defence.
- Pass selectionChoosing which pass to play, and to whom, from the options a moment offers — weighing space, risk and what the team is trying to do.
- When to defendJudging the moment to switch from attacking intent to protecting your goal, court or position — recognising when the situation calls for security over ambition.
Equipment
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
- Hockey stickA curved-headed stick used to control, pass and shoot the ball or puck in hockey.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
Skills
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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