Umpires and referees in professional cricket are players who are aware of the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct. They ensure that a match is played within the laws and the decorum of the sport is upheld. These officials are chosen by the International Cricket Council before every match or series.
There are four umpires for an international cricket match. Two of them are present in the field while two are off it. The off field umpires are the third and the fourth umpires. The third umpire has a range of technological advances at their disposal which they use whenever there is a doubt in making a decision from the on-field umpires or players.
The fourth umpire is also called the reserve umpire. The appointment of a fourth umpire is mandatory. A fourth umpire’s duties include the following:
– Bringing new bails and balls
– Carrying refreshments for the on-field umpire
– Ensuring the status of batteries in the light meter
– Checking the status of the pitch during lunch and tea intervals
The home team’s governing body is the one who appoints the fourth umpire. They appoint The umpire from a list of nominees that are included in the International Cricket Council’s panel of umpires.
Furthermore, the appointment of a fourth umpire is free from any gender bias. A female can be a fourth umpire in a men’s match and vice-versa. When an on-field umpire is unable to take to the field due to any reason, then the third umpire walks in as a replacement. The duties of the third umpire are now managed by the fourth umpire.
Though their appointment is rarely subject to change, the fourth umpire is notified of their role well in advance of the scheduled matches by the International Cricket Council.
