Cricket live updates and electronic scoring

We are likely moving towards a time when mandatory live, online scoring will be implemented across all levels of cricket. This is happening already, even in the upper levels of 'grassroots' cricket in some locations. Some clubs have already trialled it in different forms - perhaps trying an app or some software that allows them to score using a laptop or tablet and then uploading the results to the online data management system.

At the moment, clubs have commented about issues such as possible bugs in the online system, the need to have the laptop or tablet used for scoring 'secured' in some manner, deciding who is actually going to have access to the scoring system, concerns about hardware or software failure, the need for a fast, secure Internet connection and working out how to 'reverse' incorrect entries and so forth. However, the potential savings in volunteer time from having to transfer scores at the end of the day make this a worthwhile consideration - if not now then potentially in the future. Other possible benefits may be the possibility to produce extra statistics for coaches, such as 'wagon wheels' for batsmen and the like. Certainly, a number of local clubs have introduced electronic scoreboards and an interface between a live scoring program and an electronic scoreboard would be useful.

For now, here are some links that may be of interest to your club:

• MyCricket Scorer, which allows scores to be uploaded to MyCricket in Australia, as well as having a live scores feature.

• Play-Cricket Scorer provides similar functionality to Play-Cricket in the UK for smartphones and tablets.

• Total Cricket Scorer provides similar functionality and integrates with Play-Cricket in the UK. Note that there is a purchase fee (listed on the website) for this service.