TV Umpire (Third Umpire) in Cricket
What is the third umpire in cricket? How they review decisions, what DRS technology they use, and the limits of their authority.
The third umpire, also known as the TV umpire or off-field umpire, is an ICC-appointed official who reviews on-field decisions using available technology. They sit off the field with access to multiple camera angles, ball-tracking data, UltraEdge (snickometer), and HotSpot.
When the Third Umpire Gets Involved
- When a team uses a DRS (Decision Review System) review to challenge an on-field decision.
- For automatic referrals on certain decisions (e.g. boundary/not-boundary, caught-behind with close calls).
- To adjudicate on run outs and stumpings referred by on-field umpires.
- To check for no balls in matches where the third umpire checks every delivery for front-foot no balls.
Technology Available
| Technology | What it checks |
|---|---|
| Ball-tracking (Hawk-Eye) | LBW — where ball pitched, impact, would-have-hit |
| UltraEdge / Real Snickometer | Edges — sound spike on contact with bat |
| HotSpot | Edges — heat signature on bat or pad |
| Slow-motion replay | Run outs, stumpings, boundary decisions, catches |
Overturning vs Upholding Decisions
The third umpire can overturn an on-field decision if there is sufficient evidence. For LBW the review considers impact, pitch, and whether the ball would have hit. For edges, the sound spike and thermal signature are analysed. If there is insufficient evidence to overturn, the original decision stands.
Frequently asked questions
Can the third umpire change any decision?
No — the third umpire can only review decisions that have been referred to them (via DRS or automatic referral). They cannot initiate a review themselves.
What is 'umpire's call' in DRS?
When ball-tracking shows the ball hitting the stumps with less than 50% of the ball's diameter, it is called 'umpire's call' — the on-field umpire's decision stands either way, and if a review was made it does not count as a used review.