The third umpire (or TV Umpire) is an off-
field umpire
An umpire is an official in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection.
The term derives from the Old French nonper, ''non'', "not" and ''per' ...
used in some
cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players on a field at the centre of which is a pitch with a wicket at each end, each comprising two bails balanced on three stumps. The batting side scores runs by st ...
matches, particularly
international matches. Their role is to make the final decision in questions referred to them by the two on-field umpires or the players.
The third umpire is also there to act as an emergency on-field umpire if required.
History
The third umpire was conceptualized by former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer, and current cricket writer Mahinda Wijesinghe.
It debuted in Test cricket in November 1992 at
Kingsmead Kingsmead may refer to:
Places in England
* Kingsmead, Bath, an electoral ward in Somerset
** Kingsmead Square, Bath
* Kingsmead, Cheshire
* Kingsmead, a district of Shenley Brook End in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Other uses
* Kingsmead ...
,
Durban
Durban ( ) ( zu, eThekwini, from meaning 'the port' also called zu, eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed ''Durbs'',Ishani ChettyCity nicknames in SA and across the worldArticle on ''news24.com'' from ...
for the
South Africa vs. India series.
Karl Liebenberg was the third umpire with
Cyril Mitchley the on-field umpire, referring the run-out decision in this match.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (; ; born 24 April 1973) is an Indian former international cricketer who captained the Indian national team. He is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He is the all time highest run-sco ...
became the first batsman to be dismissed (
run out) by using television replays in the second day of the Test scoring 11.
Appointment
The third umpire is appointed from the
Elite Panel of ICC Umpires or the
International Panel of ICC Umpires for
Test matches,
ODIs,
and
T20Is.
For all Test matches, and for ODIs where
DRS is used, the third umpire is appointed by the
ICC, and is a different nationality to the two sides. For
ODIs where DRS is ''not'' used, and for all T20Is, the third umpire is appointed by the home side's
Governing body.
Functions
Decision requests
An on-field umpire can, at his own discretion, use a radio link to refer particular types of close decision to the third umpire, this is called an
Umpire Review. When the full
Umpire Decision Review System is ''not'' in use, the third umpire uses television
replays (only) to assist him in coming to a decision.
When the full DRS is in use, players can also initiate reviews of particular decisions by the on-field umpires, this is called a
Player Review. These are judged by the third umpire, and the third umpire has the full range of technology available beyond simple replays, for both Umpire Reviews and Player Reviews.
Emergency on-field umpire
In the case of injury or illness to one of the on-field umpires, the third umpire will take his place. The third umpire duties will then be taken on by the
Fourth umpire.
For example, during the 4th ODI between
Australia and India at Canberra in 2015–16, umpire
Richard Kettleborough was injured during Australia's innings and was replaced by third umpire
Paul Wilson.
References
See also
*
Fourth umpire
*
Instant replay in Major League Baseball
{{Cricket positions
Cricket terminology
Cricket umpiring
Cricket laws and regulations