Umpires play a crucial role throughout the DRS process, even though technology takes center stage. Here’s how their influence unfolds:

Initiating Reviews:

Player Reviews: The final decision on requesting a review lies with the captain or batsman. However, the umpire’s judgment is crucial in guiding the team. They can advise players on the likelihood of a successful review based on their own perception of the dismissal.
On-Field Decisions:

The initial call on the field always belongs to the umpire. DRS only reviews these decisions, not replacing the umpire’s authority entirely.
Umpire’s Call:

This is a key area where umpire influence remains strong. Even with DRS technology, some decisions (mainly LBWs) can be inconclusive. In these cases, the umpire’s original call stands, highlighting their role in the final outcome.
Communication and Consultation:

The third umpire (responsible for reviewing footage) relies on clear communication from the on-field umpires regarding the appeal and details of the dismissal. This two-way communication ensures the third umpire has all the necessary information for a fair assessment.
Time Management:

Umpires play a part in managing the time taken for DRS reviews. They ensure players adhere to the time limit for requesting a review and keep the game flowing smoothly.
Maintaining Order:

DRS can be a tense affair. Umpires are responsible for maintaining order on the field, ensuring players and coaches behave appropriately during the review process.
In summary, while technology plays a significant role in analyzing decisions, the umpire’s influence remains woven throughout the DRS process. Their initial calls, judgment on reviews, and communication skills are all vital for a fair and efficient DRS system.

DRS isn’t universally used in all cricket series for a couple of reasons:

Cost and Infrastructure:

DRS utilizes sophisticated technology like ball-tracking, audio analysis, and sometimes thermal imaging. Setting up and maintaining this infrastructure can be expensive, especially for less well-funded cricket boards.
Limited Resources:

Employing trained personnel to operate the DRS system adds another layer of cost. Skilled technicians are needed to manage the technology and ensure accurate results. This can be a strain for boards with limited resources.
Historical Reservations:

India, a major cricketing nation, was initially hesitant about DRS. They had concerns about its accuracy and fairness in the early stages. While India now embraces DRS in most series, their past reservations can influence bilateral agreements between them and other boards.
Negotiations and Agreements:

DRS usage ultimately depends on agreements between the cricket boards of the participating nations. Some boards might prefer to play without DRS due to cost concerns or a preference for the traditional umpiring system.
Domestic vs International Cricket:

DRS is more prevalent in international matches compared to domestic tournaments. This is again due to cost factors and the need to prioritize its use for high-profile matches.
In conclusion, the decision to use DRS hinges on a combination of financial resources, technological infrastructure, historical reservations, and bilateral agreements between cricket boards. While DRS is becoming increasingly common, it’s not yet a universally adopted system in all cricket series.

The number of DRS reviews in a cricket game actually depends on the format being played:

Test Cricket: Each team receives 3 unsuccessful reviews per innings. This means they can challenge an umpire’s call three times as long as their reviews are unsuccessful in overturning the call. Successful reviews (where the DRS proves the umpire wrong) don’t count towards the limit and can be used later in the innings.

ODI & T20 Cricket: Teams have a tighter limit of 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings. Similar to Tests, successful reviews are retained for later use in the innings.

It’s important to note that reviews don’t carry over between innings, so a team’s unused reviews in the first innings of a Test are not available in the second innings.