It is hoped the technology would eliminate contentious decisions

The International Cricket Council planned to launch a trial in South African domestic cricket this season to see whether the use of technology would assist officials in their decision-making.

"Our trial will enable us to assess whether its position closer to the action area will provide a clearly audible indication when there is the thinnest of nicks," " David Richardson, ICC general manager of cricket, said recently.

But the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) revealed to the BBC Sport website the ICC had gone cold on the experiment after learning of the costs involved.

"The problem is that the cost is quite exorbitant, and I know that when the numbers were put to the ICC they were a little bit concerned," said Brian Basson, UCB general manager of cricket affairs.

"At this point in time, until I am given the go-ahead by the ICC, I will not be utilising this technology in our domestic competition.

"I don't have the figures with me but I know that the numbers scared the ICC off and the basis of the agreement was that the ICC would foot the bill of the experiment."

The ICC, however, insisted the experiment was still high on its agenda.

"The cost of the technology is not an issue and this is an experiment we are very keen to see go ahead," a spokesman said.

The white line between right and wrong

The stump mic earpieces was one of two trials to be conducted in South Africa this season, the other involving parallel white lines painted on pitches to assist in lbw decisions.

The lines experiment will go ahead and if successful, the ICC could introduce the measure into international cricket.