AUS v PAK 2023-24: Start of play delayed as third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG

Richard Illingworth eventually returned back to resume his duties as the third umpire.

The start of play in the post-lunch session on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan was delayed by seven minutes as third umpire Richard Illingworth got stuck in the lift at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The on-field umpires, Michael Gough and Joel Wilson, informed the two Australian batters David Warner and Steve Smith about the delay and play resumed after the fourth umpire stepped into Illingworth's role until his return to the box.

"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?" legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram said on air.

Richard Illingworth eventually returned back to resume his duties as the third umpire.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan bowlers did not need the third umpire's help in the second session as debutant Mir Hamza cleaned up David Warner and Travis Head in successive deliveries.

Australia slumped to 16/4 in what was a chaotic first two sessions at the MCG on Day 3.