Cameras at both ends

In 1977, Amazing as it may seem, but for almost 40 years TV viewers were only allowed to see pictures from one end of the ground, thus making half of all leg-before decisions a complete mystery. In fairness to the broadcasters, the bulkiness and cost of the equipment restricted the deployment of cameras, but the advent of Kerry Packer's Channel 9 changed the whole way the game was covered. Packer reportedly told his producers: "Who wants to watch a batsman's bum for half the match." Initially, TV companies used elevated platforms to give what they labeled a reverse-angle view, but before long permanent vantage points were the norm. From two cameras in the 1930s to six in the 70s we now have 20 or so.