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Explained: Electra stumps, the latest cricketing invention from BBL

by Wisden Staff December 22, 2023 - 11:44am 2 minute read

Adding to their long list of inventions, the Big Bash League have introduced the new Electra Stumps, a multi-coloured illuminated set of stumps. These will be used in the 2023/24 edition of the BBL.

The Electra Stumps were employed in the Women’s Big Bash League that preceded the men’s edition this year.

What are the BBL Electra Stumps?

An evolved version of the traditional wooden stumps, the Electra Stumps consist of an LED setup that illuminates in a specific way based on different scenarios in the game. Eleven years ago, the Big Bash League introduced Zing bails, which would light up after being dislodged.

The Electra Stumps, in a way, are an extension of that path-breaking invention, which will replace the trademark red and white stumps that have long been a feature in the BBL.

What do the lights signify?

The stumps light up in a particular fashion to signify different scenarios:

Out – Flashing red and then fire: Spots of blinking red light are followed by a bottom-to-top array of red, white and yellow lights, signifying fire.
Fours – Colour shift: When a player hits a four, the lights on the stumps change colour one after another, shifting from purple to green, and so on.
Sixes – Colour scrolling: When the batter hits a six, colours run from bottom to top, changing rapidly as they go up.
No ball – Red and white scrolling: In alternating up and down motion, the stumps turn red and white, followed by the big loudspeaker siren, indicating a no-ball.
Between overs – Purple and blue scrolling: As the player exchange ends, the stumps light up in pulsating blue and purple colours.