Umpire Paul Reiffel misses Chennai Test due to head injury

Umpire Paul Reiffel, who was taken to the hospital due to a concussion during the Mumbai Test, has been forced to missed the fifth Test between India and England in Chennai. The unusual incident took place in the post-lunch session on the first day amidst smooth proceedings in the 49th.

The Australian umpire was hit on the head by a stray Bhuvneshwar Kumar throw. He was standing at square leg and totally unaware of Kumar. The bowler also committed a blunder misjudging the throw. Third umpire Marias Erasmus took his place for the rest of the match as he was made unavailable.

The play was halted for a while as on-field medical attention was administered before the dazed official left the ground to go into the pavilion for further rest and recuperation. Later he underwent MRI scan in a nearby hospital.

“Paul Reiffel was scheduled to stand in the Chennai Test. However, on medical advice, he was replaced by Simon Fry during the Mumbai Test following the conclusion of which he returned to Perth. Paul is fine and will resume duties after Christmas in the ODI series between New Zealand and Bangladesh,” an ICC official told PTI.

Scans gave Reiffel the all clear but he was advised to continue resting. He will return to duty for the one-day series between New Zealand and Bangladesh, starting on 26 December. Fellow Australian umpire Simon Fry, who is on the International Cricket Council’s second-tier international panel, has stepped in for the fifth and final Test in the series.

The Chennai Test has already begun at Chennai after cyclone Vardah cast doubts over the match. However, the officials were prompt in making arrangements and the match took on schedule with England finishing on a high at stumps on day one. The tourists finished at 284/4 with help of Moeen Ali 5th Test century and Jor Root’s counter-attacking half-century.