The Third Umpire plays an extremely crucial role in a cricket game. Margins have reduced in the game and the difference between a win and a loss is very narrow in this era. Hence, the closest of calls need to be judged correctly. In this article, we find out the first player ever to be given out by the Third Umpire.
Role of a Third Umpire
As we are all aware, not everything on a cricket field can be monitored in one moment. Hence, an umpire needs help, and for the same, a Third Umpire is present. While previously it was used to call the run-outs, the advent of DRS has had the Third Umpire calling other LBW and catches too. No-balls are also called by the Third Umpire, depending on the rules of the competition.
Especially in the recent era, most teams are competitive, and hence, games must be umpired well. This could mean a lot for the teams involved. We have seen many games where even with the decision of the Third Umpire, there has been dissatisfaction. Hence, without a Third Umpire, the modern game is unimaginable.
The first player to be given out by the Third Umpire
The Third Umpire concept made its debut in Test cricket in 1992 at Durban. India vs South Africa series was the first to use it. Karl Liebenberg was the first Third Umpire.
In the game, when Sachin Tendulkar was on 11, he hit the ball towards the backward point. Sachin tried to steal a single but non-striker Ravi Shastri sent him back. Jonty Rhodes was fielding and the run-out was executed but it was a close call. The umpire referred to the TV umpire and Sachin Tendulkar was given out. Hence, Sachin Tendulkar is the first player to be given out by the Third Umpire.
