Aoba Tanaka 
In an unexpected turn of events during the second Australia-Pakistan Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the play came to a halt due to an unusual circumstance – the third umpire, Richard Illingworth, got stuck in a lift. The peculiar delay lasted seven minutes, leaving players and fans bemused.
Delayed Resumption After Lunch
As players returned to the field after the lunch break on Thursday, ready for the scheduled 1.25 pm start of the second session, an unforeseen obstacle disrupted the proceedings. The two central umpires refused to allow play to resume as Illingworth was unable to return to his post in the grandstand. This left Australian batters David Warner and Steven Smith waiting to resume, with the hosts stuck at 6 for 2 in their second innings and an overall lead of 60.
Fourth Umpire’s Quick Action
After a brief delay, the fourth umpire, Phil Gillespie, swiftly ran from the boundary into the third umpire’s box to allow play to resume. Illingworth eventually made his way back, offering a light-hearted wave as he took his seat.
Light-Hearted Responses
Both Cricket Australia and the MCG responded to the peculiar delay with light-hearted comments. Cricket Australia’s social media arm posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The game is delayed because the third umpire…is stuck in the lift.” The MCG humorously replied, “Sorry.”
Insights from Inside the Lift
Channel Seven host Mel McLaughlin, who was also in the stuck lift, shared that it took about 10 minutes for them to be let out.
Eventful Afternoon for the Fourth Umpire
The busy afternoon for Phil Gillespie continued later in the session when he briefly stood in the middle alongside Michael Gough, filling in for Joel Wilson, who needed to leave the field for an over.
The unexpected delay added a touch of humor to the game, showcasing the unpredictable nature of cricket even off the field.
