The stumps will literally light up tonight at the KFC T20 Big Bash
League with a world-first innovation of LED stumps and bails that ignite
when dislodged.
The innovation has been designed to enhance the in-match experience
for fans at the games and during broadcast on FOX SPORTS, adding to the
fun and excitement that is BBL.
The Zing Wicket System, created by South Australian manufacturer
Zing International, have a sensor in the bails that can determine within
1/1000 of a second when the wicket is broken. Once the wicket is broken
the bails instantaneously flash bright red LED lights and then send a
radio signal to the stumps which also ignite. They are powered by low
voltage batteries in each of the bails and also in stump.
Big Bash League Senior Manager Anthony Everard said: “These
light-up stumps are all about enhancing the spectator experience during
BBL matches and ensuring that the BBL remains highly entertaining for
the fans.
“This is exciting to have a world-first product being used in the KFC T20 BBL.
“The stumps do not have any effect on the playing conditions nor will they be used in any part for umpire decisions” he added.
David Ligertwood, co-developer of the Zing wicket system is thrilled to finally see the wickets in action.
“As a kid, nothing was more exciting to me than watching and
playing cricket. Upon reflection we thought we'd combine the fun of
technology with our love of sport and create something that would not
only be spectacular for fans at the match, but also those watching in
broadcast.
“Our initial idea was for the bails to light-up when dislodged,
though this since evolved to the stumps as well as they are able to
contain more LEDs and enhance the experience.
“Falling wickets is part of what the BBL is all about and this only adds to the excitement.
“The BBL is the perfect fit for our product and we can't wait to see them in action,” he added.
The technology and testing for the light-up stumps has been in
development for almost three years and in a world-first, they will be
used at BBL matches across the summer starting on December 7.
