No third umpire

NEW DELHI, MARCH 5. Are third umpires meant only for Tests and one- dayers? Seems so. The Board President's XI-Australia match will not have a third umpire even though the match will be telecast `live' from the Ferozeshah Kotla.

Not that it puts umpires Sanjeev Rao and Subrata Banerjee under any greater pressure. They will focus hard in any case. But it certainly means the umpires will be judged harshly by those enjoying the game from cosy drawing rooms.

The two umpires will thus not have the facility to seek their companion's assistance in case of close decisions. But the television commentators would enjoy the `privilege' of commenting on the legality of the close decisions after going through a number of replays.

It is indeed strange the organisers have not given a thought to appointing a third umpire to judge the line calls and clean catches and a match referee to ensure discipline in this match involving top players. It would be grossly unfair if the umpires, striving to give their best, are left embarrassed by repeated replays on the television for no fault of theirs.

The onus, like always, will be on the umpires no doubt even as their performance will be judged by those sitting far away from the scene of action.

- Our Special Correspondent.

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Section  : Sport
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