Published: Dec 17, 2016, 01:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 17, 2016, 01:50 PM (IST)
Umpire Paul Reiffel suffered a blow on the head while officiating on the first day of the fourth Test between India and England in Mumbai. He was struck when Bhuvneshwar Kumar accidentally threw the ball towards his head while fielding. Reiffel was immediately taken to a hospital and is now in Melbourne as he was declared unfit to officiate in the remainder of the clash in Mumbai as well as in the final Test in Chennai. Cricket has often witnessed accidents in the past and measures to counterattack these have also been taken. Reiffel, on this occasion has refused the idea of wearing a helmet while taking the field in Test matches.
Reiffel justified his move and was quoted in a report from ESPNCricinfo saying, “It would be too heavy and too hot, five days with a helmet on, it just would be impossible. It’s hard to hear [with the helmet on]. I’ve put one on and thought ‘could I umpire in this?’, and I thought I’d really struggle.” Speaking on the incident, Reiffel said, “Always keep your eye on the ball. I just didn’t do it. I feel a bit silly not doing that. It’s like playing; if you watch the ball you should come out all right. It was just an accident. I’d back myself to get out of the way if I see it coming.”
FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs England, 5th Test at Chennai
“The batsmen had stopped running; the fieldsmen were taking their time. I must have relaxed and expected him to throw it to the keeper over my head and he decided to throw it halfway to the fieldsman. He got it wrong and hit me on the back of my head. It got me behind the ear and hit me flush, that’s what’s done the damage,” Reiffel added.
Reiffel also threw light on what happened after he was hit and also thanked ICC for giving him a much-needed rest. Reiffel said, “Apart from that, I don’t really remember a lot about it. I suppose it did hurt. I’ve watched the replay and I went down pretty quick. I was rolling around a bit. It certainly shook me up.”
