AUS vs PAK 2nd Test: Third Umpire's Lift Misadventure Halts Play At MCG On Day 3

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In an unexpected turn of events during the second Australia-Pakistan Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the commencement of the second session on the third day was marred by a bizarre delay, all thanks to a lift misadventure involving third umpire Richard Illingworth.

As the players returned to the field after the lunch break, anticipation surrounded the scheduled 1:25 pm start for the second session. However, a peculiar scene unfolded when the central umpires refrained from allowing the game to resume, citing the unavailability of third umpire Illingworth, who was trapped in a lift.

Umpire stuck in lift at MCG

This unusual delay left Australian batters David Warner and Steven Smith patiently waiting to resume their innings, with the hosts positioned at 6 for 2 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of 60. With Illingworth unable to return promptly to his post in the grandstand, play was momentarily at a standstill.

In a swift response to the unforeseen circumstances, the fourth umpire, Phil Gillespie, sprinted from the boundary into the third umpire's box, facilitating the resumption of play. Illingworth, after a brief delay, eventually made his way back to his duties, humorously waving as he settled back into the umpire's chair.

Cricket Australia and the MCG, quick to showcase their sense of humor, took to social media to address the peculiar incident. Cricket Australia's social media arm posted on Twitter, now X, saying, "The game is delayed because the third umpire...is stuck in the lift." The MCG responded with a light-hearted apology: "Sorry."

Commentator narrates the ordeal

Channel Seven host Mel McLaughlin, who was also in the lift during the unexpected hiatus, shared that it took approximately 10 minutes for them to be freed. The lift misadventure added an element of amusement to the proceedings, with spectators and cricket enthusiasts alike finding humor in the unique delay.

Furthermore, the eventful day for Phil Gillespie continued as he was called upon to stand in the middle alongside Michael Gough later in the session when Joel Wilson needed to leave the field for an over, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game.

While the delay caused by Illingworth's lift misadventure was short-lived, it added a memorable and lighthearted chapter to the ongoing Test match, reminding fans that even in the world of cricket, the unexpected can take center stage.