TV coverage of cricket

[SpodoCommodo]

I can vaguely remember this from way back but b&w tv highlights confirm that a long time ago there used to be a camera at only one end of the wicket meaning that the coverage used to alternate between overs where the bowler would be running away from you and you would see the batsman facing the delivery and overs where you had a view from behind the wicketkeeper i.e. the bowler would be running towards the camera but you'd only see the batsman's back.

When did someone hit on the idea of having cameras at both ends of the wicket? The 1960s, 1970s?

And just how few cameras were used in the old days?

[starrs]

I have seen a recording of the famous 1981 Ashes series and i'm sure only one camera was used behind the wickets. When viewing from behind the wicketkeeper it was impossible to have any idea on LBW decisions. My guess would be that two cameras were introduced later in the 1980's.

[SpodoCommodo]

I've just looked on YouTube as a result of your posting and in the 1981 Ashes series it does look like only one end was used for the live coverage; but there was also a camera at the other end which they used for a replay of the fall of a wicket. Whereas in the 1976 series against the W. Indies only one camera view was used for both.

It's so much later than I expected, wonder if it was Kerry Packer's involvement that brought it about?...

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Buzzie]

It was indeed the Kerry Packer Revolution in the late 70s that had the initiative of using cameras at both ends.

Legend has it that dear old Auntie Beeb felt that it would confuse viewers who would not know which end the bowler was running in from!!

[SpodoCommodo]

Thanks Buzzie, those 20 years have flown by and one just takes the present day coverage for granted these days.

Oh dear, I'm feeling so old that I'll be starting postings with "Back in my day..." some time soon.

[SeaJayPea]

Funnily enough, I quite liked it before. I go to quite a lot of cricket, and knowing which end of the ground the bowling's coming from is useful. Especially at Lord's with the slope. Remember, if you attend a match you can't keep changing ends.

But I also don't object as it is, just wish the ECB hadn't sold the rights away from terrestrial TV.