Unexpected Delay Hits Boxing Day Test: Third Umpire Stuck in Lift at MCG | AUS vs PAK
The Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground took a surprising turn during the afternoon session of day three. A peculiar incident involving the third umpire caused an unexpected delay.
Six-Minute Halt After Lunch
Play was brought to a standstill for six minutes after lunch as third umpire Richard Illingworth found himself stuck in an elevator at the iconic MCG. This unusual interruption occurred just as on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough were preparing to resume the match.
As the on-field umpires were set to begin the post-lunch session, they were informed about Illingworth’s absence due to his entrapment in one of the lifts at the venue. Illingworth was unable to return to his designated seat in time, leading to a brief disruption in the match proceedings.
To address the absence of Illingworth, reserve umpire Phillip Gillespie swiftly stepped into the third umpire’s role. This unexpected change prompted reactions from players, with David Warner, stranded at the crease with Australia at 6-2, bursting into laughter.
David Warner’s amusement at the situation was evident, and his partner, Steve Smith, engaged in a lighthearted exchange with on-field umpire Joel Wilson, seeking permission for Warner to sit down until Illingworth’s return.
Commentary Banter with Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, who was providing commentary for Fox Cricket, couldn’t contain his amusement. He recalled a similar incident happening a couple of days ago and humorously remarked, “I can understand this happening in our part of the world, getting stuck in the lift, but over here? I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Fortunately, after six minutes of the unexpected delay, Illingworth managed to escape the elevator. He was spotted waving at his fellow umpires, signaling his return and the resumption of normalcy in the match proceedings.
The unforeseen lift incident made it a busy day for fourth umpire Phillip Gillespie. Not only did he fill in as the third umpire, but he also briefly stood in for Joel Wilson as an on-field umpire during the session when Wilson had to leave the field for an over.
Despite the quirky interruption and an early collapse that pushed Australia to 16-4, they managed to recover and finish the second session at 107-4. The unexpected delay did not hinder the players’ focus, and the match resumed its course after the peculiar but amusing incident.
