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Cricket matches have experienced interruptions for various reasons in the past ranging from rain to storm to overly bright sunlight etc. However, the recent Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne featured a unique delay during Day 3 of the play as a match official was trapped in the stadium's elevator.
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The game was delayed for almost five minutes following the Lunch break because third umpire Richard Illingworth was caught in the lift at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This unusual situation was highlighted when broadcasters showed Illingworth's empty seat. Commentators on-air disclosed that the delay occurred because Illingworth got stuck in the lift after having his lunch during the break following the first session. In response, another official was seen hurrying to the umpire's position to temporarily fill in for Illingworth.
On-field umpires Michael Gough and Joel Wilson were observed explaining to the players the unusual cause of the delay in the game, leading to an extended wait for David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne to resume their batting after the Lunch break on Day 3. The pause in play prolonged the anticipation for both the Australian batters and the Pakistan bowlers, Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza, who were eager to challenge Warner and Labuschagne. This tense situation followed the Australian team's shaky start as they found themselved stranded at 6/2 just before the Lunch break, having lost Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
"Cricket is the No. 1 spot that has stoppages because of bizarre reasons," commentator Michael Vaughan said on the delay.
Meanwhile, another commentator and Pakistan legend Wasim Akram acknowledged that he has never seen something like this before as the two former players shared a laugh.
"We have got a stoppage in play because the third umpire is stuck in a lift. We had a bit of delay before because of a little bit of drizzle. Now everything is ready go, but we have an umpire stuck in the lift. Do you any other sport that has so many different delays for so many different reasons?" Akram said.
The game finally commenced with the fourth umpire temporarily taking on the duties of the third umpire, until Richard Illingworth was able to return to the official's box.
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Talking about the match, the second Test between Pakistan and Australia is heading towards an exciting conclusion after Shan Masood's men rattled Australia top order to leave them teetering at 16/4 after 5.2 overs. Pakistan, having been dismissed for 264 in response to Australia's first innings score of 318, saw Shaheen Afridi take out key batsmen Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne in the first three overs, leaving Australia at a precarious 6/2 at Lunch. Post-Lunch, Mir Hamza claimed two wickets in consecutive balls, sending David Warner back for six and Travis Head for a golden duck.
Earlier, Australian captain Pat Cummins achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul with figures of 5/48, and Nathan Lyon contributed with four wickets. Abdullah Shafique was Pakistan's top scorer in their first innings, making a commendable 62 off 109 balls. Aamer Jamal's unbeaten 33 off 80 balls on Day 3 played a crucial role in reducing Australia's lead. Australia currently lead the three-match series 1-0 following a commanding 360-run victory in Perth. Pakistan, on the other hand, is seeking their first Test victory in Australia since 1995 and is yet to win a Test series in the country in the longest format of the game.
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