The Third Umpire in Cricket — Role, Powers & How DRS Works
The third umpire is cricket's off-field official who reviews decisions using TV technology. Learn what the third umpire can and cannot do, how teams request reviews, and the difference between soft and hard signals.
The third umpire (also called the TV umpire or off-field umpire) is a match official who sits off the field of play with access to multiple camera angles and ball-tracking technology. They assist the two on-field umpires by reviewing specific decisions when requested — either by a fielding captain using a DRS review, or by the on-field umpires referring a borderline decision upstairs themselves.
What Can the Third Umpire Review?
- Caught decisions (did the ball hit the bat? did it touch the ground?)
- LBW decisions (did the ball pitch in line? was it going on to hit the stumps?)
- Boundary decisions (did the ball cross the boundary rope?)
- Run-out and stumping decisions (was the batter in or out of the crease?)
- No-ball decisions (particularly front-foot overstepping, checked via tracking technology)
- Obstructions and other dismissal types when referred by on-field umpires
Soft Signal vs Hard Signal
When an on-field umpire refers a decision to the third umpire, they first give their own assessment — called the 'soft signal'. If they believe it is out (e.g. a low catch was taken), they signal 'out' as their soft signal. If they believe it is not out, they signal 'not out'. The third umpire then reviews the footage and can only overturn the soft signal if there is conclusive evidence to do so. If the evidence is inconclusive, the soft signal stands — meaning the on-field umpire's original call is maintained.
How a Team Requests a DRS Review
- A wicket falls (or the fielding captain disagrees with a not-out LBW/caught decision)
- The batting captain (if given out) or fielding captain signals the review by drawing a 'T' shape in the air
- The on-field umpire signals the referral to the third umpire
- The third umpire reviews all available camera angles and technology (Hawk-Eye, Snickometer, Ultra-Edge)
- The third umpire communicates their verdict to the on-field umpire via earpiece
- The on-field umpire changes (or upholds) their decision accordingly
- The reviewing team loses their DRS review if the on-field decision is upheld — UNLESS the ball showed 'Umpire's Call' on the stumps or height for LBW
Third Umpire for No-Balls
In elite cricket, the third umpire checks every delivery for a potential front-foot no-ball whenever a wicket falls. If the ball-tracking software shows the bowler overstepped, the third umpire immediately informs the on-field umpire to reverse the dismissal. This system was introduced because many front-foot no-balls were missed by on-field umpires at normal speed.
Frequently asked questions
Can the third umpire reverse any decision at any time?
No. The third umpire can only act when a DRS review is initiated or when an on-field umpire specifically refers a decision. They cannot spontaneously overturn on-field decisions without a referral. Exception: the ongoing no-ball check system in some competitions allows proactive checking on wicket deliveries.
What is the difference between DRS and a third umpire referral?
DRS (Decision Review System) is a process: it involves Hawk-Eye ball-tracking, Snickometer/Ultra-Edge audio analysis, and multiple cameras. A 'third umpire referral' is when the on-field umpires send a decision upstairs regardless of DRS — e.g. for run-out decisions or boundary calls. Not all matches use full DRS (it's expensive), but most have a third umpire for at least run-outs and boundaries.
How many DRS reviews does each team get?
In Tests and major ODIs, each team gets 3 DRS reviews per innings. In T20Is, each team gets 1 review per innings. Reviews are retained if the on-field decision is overturned; lost if upheld (unless Umpire's Call on LBW for the stumps/height component).