Pakistan made a stunning comeback in the Boxing Day Test on Day 3, clawing back into contention by dismissing Australia to 16/4 after trailing by 64 runs in the first innings. Mir Hamza and Shaheen Afridi emerged as key figures, claiming two wickets each before Lunch.
However, an unusual delay interrupted play, creating a peculiar situation for both teams. Following the standard 40-minute break, David Warner and Steve Smith stepped onto the field while Pakistan’s fielders took their positions, and Hamza prepared to bowl the fourth over.
Yet, just as play was about to resume, umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough shared a conversation, trying to contain their laughter. It turned out that the third umpire, Richard Illingworth, had been trapped in a lift on his way back from lunch, causing an unexpected hold-up in the game.
The scene on the field became light-hearted as Warner and Smith joined in the amusement, while both teams gathered around the pitch with a sense of good-natured humor prevailing.
— Travis Head (@TravisHead8441) December 28, 2023
A wild Richard Illingworth appeared! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/7Rsqci4whn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023
3rd Umpire got stuck in the lift and the game is delayed. 😂#PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/SSF9sjuIRX
— Talha Junaid (@TalhaJunaid786) December 28, 2023
With no sign of Illingworth for a few minutes, fourth umpire Phillip Gillespie hurried from the boundary ropes to temporarily take over the third umpire responsibilities and prevent further delays. Finally, after a brief pause, Illingworth arrived at his post, greeted by laughter from everyone as the surreal turn of events sank in, sparking a frenzy on Twitter.