NEW DELHI: During Thursday's Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan, the start of the post-lunch session was postponed due to an incident involving third umpire Richard Illingworth, which resulted in humorous scenes on the field at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
On day three of the second Test, after lunch, the players walked out, and play was stopped for a few minutes.
Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, the on-field umpires, were notified that Illingworth had not arrived at his MCG station. The cameras were panned toward his vacant seat by the announcers as well.
"The game is delayed because the third umpire...is stuck in the lift," Cricket Australia's social media arm posted on X, formerly Twitter.
While making his way back to his assigned seat from the eating area, the Englishman was stuck in an elevator.
As backup umpire Phillip Gillespie hurried to the box to replace Illingworth as the third official, Australia's opener David Warner found humor in the situation.
Warner's batting partner at the time, Steve Smith, was heard to ask Wilson if he might take a seat until Illingworth came back.
After a short while, Illingworth exited the elevator and made his way to his seat, and the play eventually started again.
"A wild Richard Illingworth appeared!" Cricket Australia's said in another post on X.
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