Video technology will be used to determine whether front-foot no-balls have been bowled during England's upcoming one-day international series with Pakistan ©ICC

Video technology will be used to determine whether front-foot no-balls have been bowled during England's upcoming one-day international series with Pakistan as part of an International Cricket Council (ICC) trial, it has been announced.

Currently, the on-field officials decide whether a no-ball - usually where a player has overstepped the mark with his front foot - has been delivered, but this power will now lie with the third umpire, who sits and watches the action on a screen.

The TV umpire will be able to view the incidents from four-side on cameras, which will enable them to see a split-screen view.

It means that in this series. which begins with the first match at Southampton's Ageas Bowl on Wednesday (August 24). the on-field umpire will not call any front-foot no-balls without the advice of the third umpire, unless the cameras are unavailable.

The officials out on the pitch will be provided with "pager" watches, which will vibrate when the TV umpire has seen a front-foot no-ball.

It comes amid claims that the on-field umpires are waiting until a wicket has been taken before referring the decision upstairs, which has led to suggestions bowlers - mainly those who bowl quick deliveries - are getting away with marginal calls.

The trial will be conducted during England's one-day series against Pakistan, which begins on Wednesday ©Getty Images
The trial will be conducted during England's one-day series against Pakistan, which begins on Wednesday ©Getty Images

Adrian Griffith, the ICC's senior manager - umpires and officials, confirmed the results of the trial will be passed on to the ICC Cricket Committee, who will then decide whether it should be implemented at matches in future.

"This trial is being carried out to ascertain if there is a way in which front-foot no-balls can be called more accurately and consistently, while also assessing the TV umpire’s workload and identifying the impact it will have on the flow of the game," Griffith said.

“While we need to find out if the technology set-up for this purpose is fit, at the same time we feel this is the right time to conduct the trial as the TV umpires will have more information than ever before to share with the on-field umpires, which, in turn, will help them in correct decision-making.

“To ensure that the match officials are thoroughly briefed and trained for this trial, the ICC will conduct training sessions with the umpires and match referee in Southampton on Monday and Tuesday. 

"The results of this technology trial will be shared with the ICC Cricket Committee, which will advise the ICC on future action.”