'Soft signal' rule scrapped by ICC ahead of Ashes summer

The International Cricket Council has agreed to scrap the umpire's 'soft signal' rule, which they have deemed to be 'unnecessary'.

Standing officials have previously been instructed to offer an indicative ruling on uncertain decisions such as low catches, before handing the final say over to the TV umpire.

Replays would then need to show conclusively that the verdict was incorrect in order to overturn, but the ICC has now resolved to remove the initial signal. Instead, when an umpire is unsure or has not seen the incident well enough they can simply refer it to DRS.

The new playing condition comes into effect on June 1, in time for England's Test against Ireland at Lord's. This summer's Ashes series and the World Test Championship final between Australia and India are also affected.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who chairs the ICC cricket committee, said: "Soft signals have been discussed at previous cricket committee meetings over the last couple of years. The committee deliberated this at length and concluded that soft signals were unnecessary and at times confusing since referrals of catches may seem inconclusive in replays."

Additionally, the standard practice around helmet wearing against fast bowlers, as well as in close catching positions in front of the batter and for wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps, is now a requirement.

Ganguly explained: "We also discussed player safety, which is very important for us. The committee decided that it was best to make the use of helmets mandatory in certain positions to ensure the safety of players."

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