Cricket: Darren Lehmann's bizarre solution to no-ball problem

Australian coach Darren Lehmann. Photo / Getty

Darren Lehmann has proposed an outside-the-box solution to policing no-balls, suggesting it could become the domain of the square-leg umpire.

The International Cricket Council's approach to overstepping is in the spotlight following Adam Voges' reprieve during the first trans-Tasman Test.

Voges was bowled on seven but umpire Richard Illingworth incorrectly signalled no-ball.

Replays confirmed Doug Bracewell had part of his foot behind the line, while Voges went on to score 239.

Lehmann, who sits on the ICC's influential cricket committee, had mixed feelings about the recent debate.

"It's a part of the game but I know it's not right," Australia's coach said.

"We all make mistakes ... but the no-ball situation is getting tough for umpires.

"I'd have the square-leg umpire do the no-balls, but that's just me with my cricket (committee) hat on.

"I have my views but there's a lot of views (in the committee) ... we've got to get the solution right for umpires."

Quite how Lehmann believed that the square leg umpire would be able to adjudicate on no-balls from the inner circle at the opposite end of the pitch was not elaborated on.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson and skipper Brendon McCullum have both suggested the ICC should embrace technology when it comes to no-balls.

The ICC has debated the issue before and will continue to do so.

Handing the responsibility of calling bowlers for overstepping to the third umpire is one solution but footage of 50-50 calls is often inconclusive.

Lehmann was also worried about the potential for regular delays.

"How far do you go? How many no-balls are there in a game? How long will the day go? How many overs will we miss out on? All those questions have to be asked," he said.

"If you review every ball, I'm sure there's more no-balls in a day than not - you lose overs then fans don't get to see 90 overs."

Hesson was keen to move on from the saga on Tuesday but suggested "the more decisions right, the better".

- With AAP