Controversial query system for Cricket World Cup

The oft-criticised system, which allows players to query on-field decisions with the third umpire, is yet to be used in the 50-over game internationally but is set to make its debut at next year's showpiece tournament, subject to agreement with ICC broadcast partners ESPN Star Sports, in the sub-continent.

The ICC Cricket Committee made the recommendation following their two-day meeting at Lord's, during which they also resolved to use the DRS "as soon as possible in all Test series".

"The committee has confirmed that we are on the right track with DRS and we want to continue with DRS in its current format in the sense that we want the players to be initiating the review," said India coach Gary Kirsten, who attended the Cricket Committee meeting.

"We accept that we want to be a bit more consistent on it. We want DRS to be used in all Test series. That will have practical implications and it will not happen tomorrow but we want it to happen as soon as possible."

The DRS has courted criticism since the ICC resolved to trial it at selected international matches in July 2008, with the uneven application of the technology at the heart of most concerns.

The committee has suggested that a "minimum standard of technology such as ball-tracking technology" be utilised, suggesting Hawk-Eye would be the most basic level of technology required at all matches and meaning the likes of Hot Spot would not necessarily be used.

It was also decided that umpires could use the system to confirm the legitimacy of a delivery when a wicket falls, while allowing teams a time limit of 15 seconds to call for a review.

In addition to the suggestions regarding DRS, there was further action promised on the introduction of day/night Tests, although Kirsten intimated they were at least 18 months away.

"We have had a number of trials and have gathered a lot of anecdotal evidence but it is unrealistic to set a date for the first match," he said.

In addition, the Cricket Committee gave unspecified support for a form of Test play-off on a four-year cycle as well as a reduced World Cup and an expanded World Twenty20.

The possibility was also raised of an alteration to the playing conditions in one-day internationals – raising the notion of the 50-over game being reduced to 40 as has happened in domestic cricket in both England and South Africa.

Finally, moves appear to be under way to curb some of the advantages allowed to batsmen in recent times with possible rule changes to inhibit switch hitting and 'backing up'.

The committee resolved that bowlers can abort their run-up if a batsman changes their grip during the bowler's run-up – as in Kevin Pietersen's much-imitated switch-hit – and have also pledged to look at the possibility of reinstating old rules on 'backing up', which would ensure non-strikers do not make too much ground before the delivery stride.