Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test: Start of play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift

While Richard Illingworth was making his way to the commentary box, the fourth umpire took his place and play in the second Australia-Pakistan Test after lunch resumed. 

The start of play on the third day of the post-lunch session of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan was delayed by seven minutes after the 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 batters David Warner and Steve Smith about the delay and play resumed after the fourth umpire took Illingworth's place until he returned 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?" former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram said on air.

Match dalyed! becuase third umpire stuck in the lift #WTC#AUSvPAK#BOXINGDAYTEST#McGpic.twitter.com/ZTHuYvHlTE

— Mr(@ImKhurramShaikh) December 28, 2023

The visitors lower order put on a brave display with the bat to ensure Pakistan got as close as possible to Australia's first innings score of 318 and they were eventually bowled out for 264 runs, giving the hosts a lead of 54 runs. Australia defeated Pakistan by 360 runs in the opening Test at Perth.