Former England captain and respected commentator Michael Atherton has criticised the umpiring standards in the ongoing third Test between England and India at Lord’s, focusing on two main issues — the excessive delay caused by Shubman Gill’s on-field treatment and the repeated ball change interruptions.
Writing in The Times, Atherton took aim at on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula, stating that they had “lost control” over match proceedings and failed to maintain the pace and rhythm of the game, particularly during England’s first innings.
Atherton was especially critical of how Indian captain Gill was allowed to remain on the field for an extended period while receiving treatment.
“At one stage, towards the end of England’s innings, Gill lay down for treatment on his back, and the umpires condoned a lengthy stoppage, instead of instructing him to leave the field, to allow play to resume,” Atherton wrote.
The incident occurred during the 110th over, when Gill first received treatment on his legs and then lay on the ground to get his back assessed by the medical team. Atherton believes the umpires should have enforced the rule of asking a player to leave the field when prolonged treatment is required.
But that wasn’t his only concern. Atherton also raised questions over the frequent ball change requests from the Indian side, including one episode that escalated tensions between Gill and umpire Sharfuddoula.
“From stoppages for minor injuries, to delays for attempted ball changes, to fussiness over the state of the popping crease — once the groundstaff were called on to flatten where the batsmen were standing — the umpires have lost control of this issue,” Atherton added.
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