Umpire Paul Reiffel suffers freak injury

Paul Reiffel, officiating as an on-field umpire in the ongoing fourth Test between India and England, had to be taken to the hospital after being struck on the back of his head by a Bhuvneshwar Kumar throw during the first day’s play at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday (December 8). The Australian umpire, who underwent a CT scan, was said to be fine. However, he was advised rest for the day as a precautionary measure.

Reiffel, who received treatment on the field from the England’s medical team, walked off the field midway through the second session’s play and had to be replaced by the game’s third umpire – Marais Erasmus.

The freak incident took place during the 49th over of England’s innings in the post-lunch session when Bhuvneshwar, fielding at deep square leg, casually flung the ball with the batsmen having already completed a single. The ball struck an unsuspecting Reiffel, stationed at the square-leg for the over. The 50-year-old former Australian seamer received a late warning call from Cheteshwar Pujara – whom the throw was intended to reach – and instantly fell to the ground clutching the sensitive part at the base of his skull.

After a 10-minute delay during which the other players gathered around Reiffel, the Australian umpire walked off the field with Erasmus taking his place. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for further tests. Umpire C Shamshuddin, incidentally at the venue, moved in to vacated the third umpire’s seat.

 

SOURCE: PTI