The term Check Upstairs refers to the umpire on the field asking the third umpire in making a decision. This usually happens when one of the teams invoked the decision review system (DRS), particularly when a player requests a review on the dismissal decision.
How Does Check Upstairs Work?
Check upstairs works by reviewing the decision on the on-field umpire. The Decision Review System (DRS) is a technology-based system that helps the umpire review their decision-making. In other cases, the on-field umpire may consult the third umpire for a check upstairs. There are also cases when a player requests the third umpire to consider the decision of the on-field umpires, which is known as the player review. Once a review is considered, the officials will use television replays that help track the path of the ball.
Reviewing Check Upstairs
By using the DRS, reviewing check upstairs is now made possible as the technology not only keeps track of the path of the ball, but also predicts where it could have gone. There are also microphones installed that help senses small sounds made by the ball as it hits either the bat or the pad. Infra-red imaging is also installed to sense the changes in temperature as soon as the ball hits the pad or bat. All these will be captured and replayed on the television screen Thus helping the umpire whether their decision was on point or can be changed.
Causes for Check Upstairs
When an umpire requests for check upstairs it often involves dismissal decisions.If the dismissal decision was because the batsman gets stumped, bowled, or hit wicket, the third umpire will check if there was a no-ball during the delivery. If the dismissal was due to the batsman being caught or obstructing the field, the third umpire can review if the batter was able to hit the ball or not. This usually happens when the umpire is not sure if the ball managed to bounce at the field before it was caught by the fielder or not. Also, a player can seek to ask for a review regarding run out dismissal decision. The on-field umpire will make a request to the third umpire to check if the batsman was able to make it home or was out.
