England and Wales Cricket Board, in partnership with the Hamro Foundation Essex League, has confirmed that Stanford-le-Hope Cricket Club will be one of a select number of clubs to pilot the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) during the 2026 season.
The initiative forms part of a wider strategy to align the recreational game more closely with the professional environment, with participating clubs trialling technology traditionally reserved for elite-level cricket.
The system will be implemented across all 1st XI fixtures, with each side allocated two reviews per innings. Reviews that are unsuccessful will be forfeited, while successful reviews will be retained. Decisions falling under the ‘Umpire’s Call’ category will also result in the review being preserved.
To facilitate the rollout, the ECB will provide a fully integrated technology package, including a new set of smart stumps equipped with audio sensors to support UltraEdge analysis. In addition, high-definition camera systems will be installed on the sightscreen to enable ball-tracking capabilities via Hawk-Eye.
As part of the infrastructure upgrade, the club’s scorebox will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment to support the new technology, including the installation of a fully digital LED display system.
Matchday officiating will also be enhanced, with the HFEL appointing three umpires per fixture. All appointed officials will undertake specialist third umpire training delivered by former ICC Elite Panel umpire Joel Wilson.
Speaking on the announcement, Cricket Committee Chair Thomas Willats said:
“On behalf of everyone at the club, we are extremely proud to have been selected as part of this forward-thinking initiative. We are grateful to the ECB and HFEL for their investment and support in bringing this level of innovation to grassroots cricket.
“Personally, I feel this is a long-overdue development. Having been adjudged LBW on numerous questionable occasions, I welcome the opportunity for greater accuracy in decision-making, particularly when it comes to deliveries that may, or may not, have pitched outside leg stump.”
The system will be operational for the first time on Saturday 9 May, when the 1st XI host Leigh-on-Sea at The Recreation Ground.