Third Umpire Explained: The TV Umpire and Review Official
What the third umpire does in cricket — reviewing run-outs, stumpings, boundary decisions, and DRS referrals, how they communicate with on-field umpires, and why the role has expanded significantly since its introduction in 1992.
The third umpire (also called the TV umpire) is an off-field official who assists the two on-field umpires by reviewing specific decisions using television replays. Introduced in international cricket in 1992 (in a South Africa vs India Test), the third umpire initially reviewed only run-out decisions; their role has expanded to include: stumpings, boundary (four or six) decisions, catches (in some cases), DRS referrals, no-balls for height, and other reviewable events. The third umpire sits in a room with multiple TV monitors showing all available camera angles.
What the Third Umpire Reviews
The third umpire's review scope in modern international cricket includes: (1) Run-outs — reviewing whether the bat was grounded before the ball broke the wicket, using frame-by-frame analysis. (2) Stumpings — confirming whether the batter's foot was grounded behind the crease when the wicket was broken. (3) Boundary decisions — determining whether a fielder's foot was grounded over the boundary while taking a catch, or whether the ball reached the rope. (4) DRS referrals — processing Hawk-Eye ball tracking, UltraEdge waveform, and Hot Spot for lbw and caught-behind reviews. (5) No-ball height checks — in some competitions, the third umpire reviews whether short deliveries exceeded the permitted height.
Communication with On-Field Umpires
The third umpire communicates with the on-field umpires via an earpiece — the field umpire who refers a decision holds their ear to indicate they are awaiting a signal from the third umpire. The third umpire's verdicts are signalled back using specific hand signals: a raised finger to the screen (out), a flat hand across the body (not out), or a signal to repeat the on-field decision. For DRS reviews, the third umpire verbally communicates the findings of Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge, and Hot Spot through the earpiece to the on-field umpire, who then makes and signals the final decision.
Soft Signal
The 'soft signal' is the on-field umpire's initial indication of their decision before referring to the third umpire — for catches, an on-field umpire may give a 'soft out' (raising the finger tentatively) or a 'soft not out' (wave of the hand) before the referral. The third umpire then reviews the catch; if the evidence is inconclusive, the soft signal stands. The soft signal has been controversial — critics argue that the on-field umpire's initial indication (which may be influenced by the appeal's timing and field placement) should not determine the outcome when evidence is inconclusive. Some cricket boards have moved toward simply reviewing all catches without a soft signal.
Frequently asked questions
What does the third umpire do in cricket?
Reviews specific decisions using TV replays — run-outs, stumpings, boundary decisions, DRS referrals (Hawk-Eye/UltraEdge/Hot Spot), and no-ball height checks. Introduced in 1992 for run-outs only; role expanded to current scope over three decades. Communicates verdicts to on-field umpires via earpiece.
When was the third umpire introduced in cricket?
1992 — in a South Africa vs India Test match, initially to review run-out decisions using TV replays. The concept was revolutionary for cricket officiating; subsequent expansions of the role (stumpings, catches, DRS) have made the third umpire essential to the modern game.
What is the soft signal in cricket?
The on-field umpire's initial indication before referring a catch decision to the third umpire — either 'soft out' (tentative raised finger) or 'soft not out' (wave of hand). If the third umpire's review is inconclusive, the soft signal stands as the final decision. Controversial because it can influence outcomes when evidence is genuinely unclear.