The introduction of tech into sport was a monumental moment for all involved. Sports like football, tennis, and cricket have organically evolved over time from a playing perspective on the pitches, courts, and fields, but the use of technology was something that changed the way sports were to be officiated. There was once a sole reliance on referees, line judges and umpires to make potentially game-changing decisions. Once technology such as video assistant referees (VAR), hawk eye, and decision review systems (DRS) were tested and ultimately unleashed into live match play, sports had a fair playing field to do battle on.
While some rules around the interpretation of video technology need to be tweaked, the aim of being more conclusive and correct with decisions and the subsequent use of tech is something firmly established in sports. However, there have been some key decisions that would not have stood had technology existed and narratives that might have played out differently had tech been part of sport.
Australia wins second test at Edgbaston in 2005 and go on to win 2005 Ashes series
Perhaps one of the most thrilling moments in Ashes history. Perhaps one of the most dramatic moments in cricket history. With two runs needed to tie, and three to win, and with Australia nine wickets down against a tiring England attack, Michael Kasprowicz gloved a Steve Harmison bouncer behind to Geraint Jones. England won by two runs. However, replays after showed that Kasprowicz had a hand off the bat when it made contact with his glove. In the cricket rule book, Kasprowicz was not out.
With no DRS review system in place, the decision by Billy Bowden handed England a win, which levelled the Ashes series. England would go on to win the fourth test after the third test was drawn, with another draw in the fifth sealing the series for England. Many saw the second test as a momentum changer for the England team and for all those with invested interest, including all fans and users of sportsbooks on the daily star, the fate of the 2005 Ashes was changed at the flick of a glove. Australia will still be wondering what could have been in 2005.
England equalize against Germany at 2010 World Cup and go on to win the tournament
Matthew Upson had just pulled a goal back for England to reduce the arrears to 2-1 against arch-rivals, Germany in the Round of 16. What happened next shocked the football world. Just a minute after Upson’s goal, Frank Lampard hammered an effort from outside the area that dipped and beat Germany goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. The ball clearly bounced down over the line and spun back out of the goal. To the amazement of everyone, Jorge Larrionda played on, and Germany nearly scored on the counterattack.
The England team and their fans will never know what could have been in 2010 had goal line technology been introduced four years earlier. Germany went on to win the match 4-1 sending England home.
