by Ravi Nagahawatte
Sarath Jayakuru, who months ago hit on the idea of inserting a microphone into a cricket ball, has presented this proposal to the Australian Cricket Board.

According to Jayakuru, a mechanical engineer by profession, the idea behind his plan of invention is to aid umpires in taking decisions regarding tip catches.

Jayakuru has completed all research for his invention and says that the device will be ready in a month’s time.

"I have presented this idea to the Australian Cricket Board(ACB). I was later told by them (ACB) that they have referred the matter to the Australian Umpires Association", Jayakuru told ‘The Island’.

Jayakuru said that once the product goes into mass scale production, it will cost less than Rs. 500.

According to Jayakuru, the device will include a microphone and a watch battery, which will be charged with a pin and later pulled out as in a hand grenade.

"There are no local companies manufacturing cricket balls. So I hope to sell this idea outside Sri Lanka", said Jayakuru.

He said that he had initially written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) but received no response.

Incidentally, Jayakuru won himself a merit award at last year’s Presidential and National Awards for Inventors for a mosquito trap he presented.

He is at present attached to Daintee Confectioneries Private Ltd. as a Consultant Engineer.