Play Delayed at MCG: Third Umpire Stuck in Lift
The second Australia-Pakistan Test at the MCG was delayed due to the third umpire, Richard Illingworth, becoming locked in a lift.
After the lunch break on Thursday, players returned to the middle in time for the planned 1.25pm start of the second session. However, in exceptional circumstances, the two central umpires refused to allow a ball to be bowled because Illingworth was unable to return to his grandstand post.
It left Australian hitters David Warner and Steven Smith waiting to resume, with the hosts behind by 60 points after six innings.
After a few minutes, the fourth umpire, Phil Gillespie, ran from the boundary into the third umpire’s box to allow play to resume, and Illingworth followed shortly after, giving a lighthearted wave as he sat down.
Cricket Australia and the MCG both responded in a lighthearted manner to the unusual seven-minute delay.
The Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) took an unexpected turn when the start of the second session was delayed due to a rather unusual reason. Third umpire Richard Illingworth found himself stuck in a lift, causing a temporary halt in the game. This incident left players and spectators bewildered, as they waited for Illingworth to be freed. Let’s delve into the details of this bizarre event and its impact on the match.
The Unexpected Delay
As the players prepared to resume the game after the lunch break, a peculiar situation unfolded at the MCG. The on-field umpires, Michael Gough and Joel Wilson, realized that Illingworth had not returned to his designated viewing box. It was then revealed that Illingworth had become trapped in one of the lifts at the venue while making his way back from the dining area.
A Light-Hearted Response
Despite the unexpected delay, a light-hearted atmosphere prevailed among the players, officials, and commentators. David Warner, one of Australia’s batsmen, couldn’t help but burst into laughter upon learning the reason for the hold-up. Meanwhile, reserve umpire Phillip Gillespie swiftly stepped in to assume Illingworth’s role as the third umpire until he could be freed from the lift.
Commentary Banter
The commentators covering the match couldn’t resist making light of the situation. Michael Vaughan, a former England captain, humorously pondered whether cricket was the sport with the most bizarre stoppages. Wasim Akram, a Pakistani legend, joined in the banter, expressing his amazement at the unusual circumstances. The incident became a talking point, highlighting the unique and unpredictable nature of cricket.
Resumption of Play
After a delay of approximately six minutes, Illingworth was successfully released from the lift and returned to his duties as the third umpire. The match resumed, but not before the players, officials, and spectators shared a collective sigh of relief. The focus shifted back to the game, with Pakistan continuing their momentum from the first session.
Pakistan Strikes Back
During the post-lunch session, Pakistan’s fast bowler Mir Hamza made an immediate impact by dismissing both David Warner and Travis Head in successive deliveries. Warner, attempting a pull shot, dragged the ball onto his stumps, while Head fell victim to a well-pitched delivery that breached his defense. Australia found themselves in a precarious position at 4-16.
The Tail Wags
Before the lift incident, Pakistan had put on a resilient performance with the bat during their first innings. Their lower-order players contributed valuable runs, preventing Australia from establishing a substantial lead. Captain Pat Cummins, in particular, impressed with his bowling, taking his 10th five-wicket haul in Test matches. Pakistan was eventually dismissed for 264 runs, reducing Australia’s first-innings lead to 54 runs.
Social Media Reactions
Fans watching the match were quick to take to social media to share their amusement at the lift incident. Memes and humorous comments flooded platforms, highlighting the unexpected nature of the delay. Some fans jokingly suggested moving the match to Western Australia, where functional lifts would be guaranteed. The incident sparked conversations and added an element of entertainment to the Test match.
Unforeseen Circumstances in Cricket
Cricket is no stranger to unexpected delays caused by various factors. From weather-related interruptions to equipment malfunctions, the game has seen its fair share of unusual stoppages. The incident of the third umpire getting stuck in a lift further adds to the list of peculiar occurrences in the sport. It serves as a reminder that cricket, with its rich history and idiosyncrasies, continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Conclusion
The lift incident during the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan undoubtedly added a touch of unpredictability to the match. While the delay caused some amusement and banter, it also highlighted the unique nature of cricket and its ability to surprise both players and spectators. Despite the momentary interruption, the game resumed, and both teams continued to battle it out on the field. Such incidents serve as memorable anecdotes within the rich tapestry of cricket’s history.
