10 things that you should know about LED Zing bails

The ICC World T20 started a new trend of stumps where instead of the old and generic ones, bails with LED lights were used which would be triggered every time the ball or the wicketkeeper hits the stumps.It was first used in the KFC Big Bash league, and offers a much efficient way to give decisions for close calls, especially when the umpire is unsure.In this slideshow, we talk about ten things that you should know aboutLED Zing bails:

#1 Who created the LED bails?

The idea of using LED stumps was first suggested by Bronte EcKermann, founder of South Australian manufacturer Zing International. EcKermann is a mechanical indsutrial designer by profession, and is the creator of the Zing Wicket System, or the LED lights if you would want to put it into a much simpler manner.

#2 How does it work basically?

The idea behind using the LED bails is to determine not just contact with the bails but the complete seperation of the stumps and bails. Whenever the wicket is broken, the bails are programmed to flash bright LED lights which are usually red in colour.

#3 What powers these bails?

Each of the bails and stumps are run using low voltage batteries which are usually lighter than the wooden ones. A special microprocessor is used which is programmed to detect any kind of collision with the bails.

#4 More precise decisions

The addition of the LED lights has now allowed the umpires to completely determine whether the bails are dislogged properly. At times, the decision is given against or for the batsmen even if the spigots are not separated from stump. But, with the help of LED lights which are triggered only when the bails are off completely, decisions are more precise now.

#5 How fast are these bails?

Cricket is a fast game, and there is no point in using a programmed stump system if it is not quick enough. According to zing, these lights come fitted with a sensor which can determine if thespigots have completely separated in merely1/1000th of a second.

#6 Has it been tested enough?

It is said that before the Zing sytem was brought into the picture, it was heavily researched by experts for three years. And, just like the Decision Review System (DRS), the LED bails have drawn an equal share of controversies too. But, so far the decision to use them has been a successful move, and it has been used in T20 competitions in Australia, West Indies and New Zealand.

#7 How much do each of these cost?

Each of these LED Zing bails will cost you $25, and are available for purchase on Zing's official website. But these bails don't have the sensors which'll make them glow milliseconds after getting dislodged from the stumps.

The technology which is used in international cricket, makes each bail as costly as an iphone according to inventor Bronte Eckermann!

#8 What are they made of?

Unlike the wooden ones used before, these bails are made ofcomposite plastic and the LEDs glimmer at the slightest impact with the ball.

#9 Does it work against stumpings?

One of the perks of using the Zing Wicket System is that the bails are programmed to light even when a wicketkeeper makes a stumping. The system helps the umpires to make decisions during close stupming and run-outs even if they are not close to the stumps, or the stumps are not in his line of sight.

#10 When was it first used?

The Zing wicket system was first employed in a local club match in Adelaide, Australia. But, after seeing the benefits that the LED sytem offered, Cricket Australia were convinced enough to give the new system a green light. It was then used in the 2012 KFC Big Bash League.