WATCH: Australia vs Pakistan Test in Melbourne gets delayed due to third umpire getting stuck in lift

Melbourne Cricket Ground is witnessing the second Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the knife’s edge. Pakistani bowlers have made a terrific comeback on the 3rd day to breathe life into the game and the series.

Armed with a lead of just 54 runs, Australia were in early trouble. Mir Hamza and Shaheen Shah Afridi had the hosts reeling at 16/4 in an inspired after the luncheon break. It took a gritty stand between Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith to bring Australia back into the game. 

The second session though did not start on time due to the third umpire not being present. Richard Illingworth had got stuck in a lift as confirmed by the official Twitter handle of Australian Cricket. 

Unforeseen circumstances cause delays in play

Heading into the second session of the 3rd day’s play Australian Cricket team had lost Usman Khawaja before the break. As the players were waiting for the play to resume they were informed of a slight delay. There were confusing looks from the fans and the players as the reasons weren’t known.

The game is delayed because the third umpire ... is stuck in the lift #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/eSuKyPQp56

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023

Watch the video below:

3rd umpire is back.....!!!!!

- He was stuck in the lift as match was delayed for few minutes at MCG. pic.twitter.com/IKBOcINUSM

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2023

It soon came to light that 3rd umpire Richard Illingworth had got stuck in a lift. There was a small cheer as Illingworth soon made his way to his chair. He was sporting enough to wave at the players as the session finally commenced.

Pakistan began the day at 194/6 with Mohammed Rizwan and Aamer Jamal batting. Pat Cummins got the first wicket of the day when he the Pakistan wicketkeeper caught by Warner for 42.

Aamer Jamal and Shaheen Afridi added 25 runs for the eighth wicket with Afridi scoring 21 runs in the stand. That partnership was broken when Afridi was out LBW to Nathan Lyon. The ninth wicket fell when Cummins bowled Hasan Ali for 2 to claim his fifer. The innings was over when Mir Hamza gave Nathan Lyon his fourth wicket as Pakistan were all out of 264. *

It took Shaheen Afridi just two balls to get rid of Khawaja out for a duck. Marnus Labuschagne was out for four runs when Rizwan and Afridi combined yet again to give Pakistan their second wicket. Mir Hamza then struck twice in two balls to dismiss Warner for 6 and Travis Head for a duck to leave Australia at 16/4.