Substitutes could be a reality for NatWest Challenge

When the International Cricket Council meets this weekend at Lord's, it will discuss the introduction of substitutes in one-day cricket, and the use of more technology to assist umpires in decision-making. Interestingly, the use of substitutes could come into play in the near future.

"There is a clear possibility it could come into force for the NatWest Challenge," an ICC spokesman is quoted as saying on the BBC website. This means that the three-match series between Australia and England could be the first one where a bowler could be replaced once his job was done, or a batsman introduced especially because a certain situation warranted it.

Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain and current ICC committee member, said: "It will add more thrill to the game and at the same time will give a captain more tactics to play with."

On the subject of technology, the ICC will debate allowing on-field officials to consult with the third umpire on any decision, barring low catches. "It was felt television replays do not really help when deciding low catches, but from an lbw point of view the pitch in line could help. The final decision will rest with the on-field umpires though," the same spokesman is quoted as saying. At the moment, umpires can only refer line calls to the television umpire.

The meetings, which start on Friday and last till Tuesday, will be the last to be held at Lord's following the ICC's decision to shift base to Dubai.