Xtra Time Web Desk: In a bizarre incident at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan Test there was an unexpected delay during the second session. Third umpire Richard Illingworth found himself stuck in a lift just after the lunch break, prompting a humorous reaction from David Warner. When both teams returned to the field, on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough refused to start the play, waiting for Illingworth to take his position.
The amusing incident unfolded on the third day of the second Test in Melbourne. Despite the delay, the match proceeded after fourth umpire Phil Gillespie stepped in for Illingworth. Pat Cummins then delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets as Pakistan was dismissed for 264, trailing Australia by 54 runs. The visitors, starting their first innings at 194-6, faced a setback, losing five wickets for 70 runs in the final session.
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The MCG and Cricket Australia acknowledged the situation on social media, with Cricket Australia humorously stating, “The game is delayed because the third umpire… is stuck in the lift,” and the MCG responding with a prompt “Sorry.” After some minutes of delay, Illingworth finally appeared, waving at the camera and adding a light hearted touch to the unexpected interlude.
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