Why Ollie Pope will field with camera on helmet in Edgbaston Test vs India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have sanctioned the use of a head-mounted camera on the short leg fielder, which will provide fans with a novel Live TV experience. It will begin broadcasting images from the England-India Test at the Edgbaston, which begins on Friday, July 1.

“It is intended at giving the viewers a unique perspective from the middle of a Test match,” Sky Sports senior producer Robin Reeve said before the Birmingham Test on Thursday, reported Crizbuzz.

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The camera on England’s close-in fielder Ollie Pope’s helmet has been approved not just by the boards, but also by the captain and coach of the England squad, according to a Sky official. It was being tested at England’s team nets on Thursday (June 30) at Edgbaston.

“Ollie Pope has trialed it and is happy to have the camera on his helmet,” Reeve explained, adding England captain and coach Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum both gave their approval. However, there is no sign that an Indian short-leg fielder will also place the camera on his helmet. “It is to be confirmed,” Reeve added, “but unlikely.”

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The Sky network conducted a study and concluded that the short leg fielder is the best choice for the experiment. “If it goes well, perhaps we try others,” Reeve clarified in his statement to Cricbuzz. It was tested during last year’s Hundred competition in England.

It was attempted even in the Big Bash League, with cameras trained on the batsmen’s heads. “We are always looking to innovate and the images looked incredible in The Hundred” Reeve remarked.

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The ICC stated that it has given its approval. According to Cricbuzz, the authorization was granted in accordance with the ICC operation guidelines for broadcast technology on and over the field of play in ODIs and T20Is, which assert:

a)”Head-mounted cameras may be worn by umpires and/or players in ODIs and T20 Internationals (both men and women), with the express agreement of both the Host Board and each player or umpire that is going to wear the broadcast equipment.”

b) “If the camera is mounted on/in a batting helmet, it is the responsibility of the Host Board to ensure the helmet remains compliant with the relevant safety standard.”Th