The Third Umpire: How Technology Changed Cricket Officiating
The third umpire uses TV replays to rule on run-outs, boundary decisions, and catches. Learn how the role evolved, what they can and cannot decide, and how DRS changed their workload.
The third umpire is an off-field umpire positioned in a TV production area who reviews certain decisions using video replay technology. The role was introduced in South Africa in 1992 and has grown to cover run-outs, stumpings, boundary decisions, catches, and — after DRS was introduced — any DRS referrals from on-field umpires.
The third umpire's responsibilities
- Rule on all run-outs referred by on-field umpires.
- Rule on stumpings and fielding-standard catches referred upstairs.
- Determine whether a ball crossed the boundary rope (4 or 6).
- Verify no-ball calls on free-hit deliveries.
- In DRS matches: review all contested dismissal decisions referred by captains.
- Monitor front-foot no-ball compliance (in some competitions).
History of the role
The third umpire role was created in 1992 for the South Africa vs India Test in Durban. Sachin Tendulkar's run-out was the first decision referred. In the early years, only run-out decisions were sent to the third umpire. Catches followed in the 2000s. DRS in 2008 expanded the role to include all LBW and caught-behind reviews.
What the third umpire cannot overrule
Without a DRS referral, the third umpire cannot proactively intervene in decisions. The third umpire's intervention is only triggered when an on-field umpire requests a review (for run-outs, boundaries) or when a captain triggers a DRS review. The third umpire does not initiate reviews based on what they see on the monitor.
Technology available to the third umpire
- Multi-angle slow-motion replay (20+ cameras at international grounds)
- HotSpot thermal imaging (when available)
- UltraEdge audio spike detection
- Hawk-Eye ball-tracking for DRS decisions
- Super Slo-Mo (1,000+ frames per second for stumping decisions)
Frequently asked questions
What does the third umpire do in cricket?
The third umpire reviews decisions using TV replay technology — including run-outs, stumpings, boundary decisions, and catches. In DRS matches, they also rule on LBW and caught-behind reviews.
When was the third umpire introduced?
The third umpire role was introduced in the South Africa vs India Test at Durban in November 1992. Sachin Tendulkar's run-out was the first decision referred upstairs.
Can the third umpire make decisions without being asked?
No. The third umpire only acts when referred to by on-field umpires (run-outs, boundaries) or when a DRS review is triggered by a captain. They cannot intervene proactively.