Third Umpire Role in Cricket
What the third umpire does in international cricket — their authority to review decisions, how DRS referrals work, and the technology they use.
Who Is the Third Umpire?
The third umpire (also called the TV umpire) is an off-field umpire who reviews certain on-field decisions using television replays and technology. They are formally designated as such before the match and act as a resource for the two on-field umpires.
When the Third Umpire Is Called
- DRS review: fielding or batting side challenges an on-field decision
- Boundaries: whether the ball crossed the rope or was caught inside
- Run outs and stumpings: whether batter's bat/body was grounded
- Disputed catches: whether the ball carried cleanly to the fielder
- Soft signal confirmation or reversal
Technology Available
Third umpires have access to Hawk-Eye ball-tracking, UltraEdge (Snickometer), Hot Spot infrared imaging, Stump Vision cameras, and standard multi-angle HD replays. They review the footage in real time and communicate their ruling via an earpiece to the on-field umpire, who relays the decision to players.
Soft Signal
When an on-field umpire refers a catch to the third umpire, they give a 'soft signal' — their preliminary view — before the review. The third umpire can only overturn the soft signal if there is conclusive video evidence to change it. This soft signal was sometimes controversial and its role has been reviewed by ICC.
Third Umpire vs Match Referee
The third umpire makes in-game decisions on replays. The match referee handles off-field conduct. They are entirely different roles held by different officials — the third umpire has no conduct authority, and the match referee has no game-decision authority.
DRS Catch Review
The fielding side takes a low catch at gully and appeals. The on-field umpire gives Not Out with a soft signal. The fielding captain reviews. The third umpire examines UltraEdge and multiple angles. Footage is inconclusive — soft signal stands, batter remains Not Out.
Frequently asked questions
Can the third umpire review a decision without a DRS challenge?
Yes, in certain cases — the on-field umpire can refer a decision directly to the third umpire for TV review, particularly for run outs and boundary calls, independent of a team's DRS review.
What happens if the third umpire cannot decide from the footage?
If there is no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision, the original call stands. For player-initiated DRS, 'Umpire's Call' means the on-field decision is upheld but the team retains their review.