On Thursday, the second Test between Australia and Pakistan was momentarily halted when third umpire Richard Illingworth became entangled in a lift at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After the second day’s lunch break, the players resumed their activities on the field; however, on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough refused to permit play to recommence because Illingworth was no longer positioned in the grandstand.
“The game has been postponed due to a third umpire becoming entangled in the lift,” Cricket Australia announced on the social media platform X. In response, the MCG issued a statement on the same platform expressing regret.
Fourth umpire Phil Gillespie vacated the third umpire’s box for a number of minutes to allow play to recommence. When Illingworth ultimately reemerged, he appeared amused and waved to the camera.
“We were having a brief conversation when the lift doors abruptly closed and did not reopen,” sports commentator Mel McLaughlin, who was confined in the elevator with a few others, remarked afterwards.
“…everyone is simply attempting to maintain order and keep Richard entertained and conversing, as we were all aware that he was slightly distracted and needed to leave.”
“He ran quite quickly straight upstairs.”