Sir Ian Taylor, the visionary behind Virtual Eye, has dubbed a significant technological breakthrough in cricket analysis as “the Bumrah.” This innovation, named after Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, has been pivotal in enhancing the understanding of cricket’s biomechanics. Taylor, a New Zealander, has seen his technology shine, particularly when it unraveled Bumrah’s unique bowling style across the Nullarbor Plain last summer. The graphics produced by Virtual Eye effectively dissect Bumrah’s brilliance, showcasing the prowess of the Dunedin-based company’s product. This achievement has earned Taylor a prestigious global distinction.
The announcement comes as Taylor’s work with Virtual Eye continues to redefine cricket storytelling. Gone are the days when a radar gun was the primary tool for measuring a bowler’s speed. Today, advancements in camera technology and artificial intelligence, spearheaded by Taylor’s company, have transformed television coverage. “Our job is to show people who are sitting on the couch why they are there and why the people they are watching are so good. We want to explain the difference,” Taylor said.
The Impact of Virtual Eye on Cricket
Virtual Eye’s technology, capable of capturing 250 frames per second, has been instrumental in isolating the distinctive characteristics of bowlers like Bumrah. “The Bumrah illustration is probably the one that had the biggest impact,” Taylor noted. This level of detail has revolutionized cricket analysis, allowing viewers to understand the nuances of the game.
“I can remember Shane Warne really raving about the fact that he never realized how much speed was lost in a delivery from the time it came out of the hand, through the bounce, and on to the batsman,” Taylor recalled.
On Wednesday night, Taylor was honored by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers in Sydney for his pioneering work with Virtual Eye. This recognition further cements his status as a leader in sports technology, joining the ranks of icons like George Lucas and James Cameron.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
The insights provided by Virtual Eye have not only enhanced cricket broadcasts but have also contributed to the Foxtel/Kayo Sports coverage of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, earning a nomination for Best Sports Coverage at the Logies. Taylor is set to attend the SMPTE global awards ceremony in Pasadena, where he will officially join a decorated company of honorees.
Taylor expressed his initial disbelief upon receiving the honor, “I thought, ‘Oh shit. They must think I am a sucker,’” he told foxsports.com.au. He credits executives like John Evans and Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley for opening doors to broader sporting opportunities.
“Receiving the 2025 SMPTE Progress Medal is an extraordinary honor, and it is one I accept on behalf of the remarkable team of people I have had the privilege of working alongside,” Taylor said.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Cricket
Virtual Eye’s influence extends beyond cricket, detailing the power in pitchers’ throws across 3,500 Major League Baseball games each season, covering the Americas Cup, and following golfers on the PGA Tour. Partners like Fox Sports Australia have played a crucial role in expanding Virtual Eye’s recognition among major sporting codes worldwide.
Brad McNamara, executive producer of Fox Cricket, emphasized the mutual benefits of collaborating with Virtual Eye. “Basically, we have gone from having one ball speed that everyone in the world used to get to a point where we are now tracking all the players in everything they do,” McNamara said.
“Being able to screen these graphics live, I mean, that’s the Holy Grail for broadcasters,” McNamara added.
As the Ashes series approaches, Virtual Eye is poised to deliver even more innovative coverage. The company has been training its systems with thousands of hours of footage to provide viewers with enhanced insights. Taylor, a proud Kiwi, eagerly anticipates the upcoming summer, ready to tell new stories through technology.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, Virtual Eye continues to push boundaries, ensuring that each story told is both informative and entertaining. As Taylor puts it, “We like to keep things simple because sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the hype around a new technology.”
