A close run-out, a disputed catch and a slow over-rate can bring different cricket match officials into the spotlight. Their jobs are not interchangeable. Two on-field umpires control play, a third umpire examines specified incidents using video, a reserve official provides cover and support, and a match referee oversees administration and discipline. That division explains why a player sometimes receives an immediate decision, sometimes waits for a replay and sometimes faces a hearing after play.
Who Are the Main Cricket Match Officials?
An international match commonly has two on-field umpires, a third umpire, a fourth or reserve umpire, and a match referee. Smaller competitions may operate with fewer officials and no broadcast technology. Exact duties depend on the competition’s playing conditions as well as the Laws of Cricket.
On-Field Umpires: The Decisions You See
Bowler’s-End and Striker’s-End Responsibilities
The bowler’s-end umpire stands behind the stumps at the end from which the ball is delivered. This official typically rules on leg before wicket (LBW) appeals, calls wides and communicates signals to scorers. The striker’s-end umpire, often at square leg, provides another angle on stumpings, run-outs, height-related deliveries and fielding incidents. The umpires change ends as the bowling direction changes.
Cricket umpire roles overlap deliberately. Either official can identify unfair play, and the pair consult on dangerous conditions, interruptions and unusual incidents. In televised international cricket, the third umpire may monitor front-foot no-balls under the applicable protocol.
Appeals, Signals and Control of Play
A wicket is not automatically awarded because a fielder celebrates. Most dismissals require an appeal, and the appropriate umpire rules out or not out. Umpires also signal boundaries, no-balls, wides and dead balls, communicate with scorers, and decide whether ground, weather or light conditions make play dangerous or unreasonable.
Understanding the LBW rules in cricket helps explain why an appeal can fail even when the ball hits the batter’s pad.
Third Umpire Cricket: What Video Can Decide
The third umpire works away from the field with approved replay angles and, where provided, review technology. An on-field umpire can refer eligible incidents; players can challenge certain decisions through the Decision Review System (DRS) when available. An umpire referral is not necessarily a team-requested review.
Typical duties include checking tight run-outs, stumpings, boundary incidents and disputed catches, subject to the event’s protocol. The video official may also check delivery legality during dismissal reviews. Not every disagreement is reviewable, and players do not have an unlimited right to challenge calls.
How a DRS Review Works
Imagine an on-field umpire gives a batter out LBW. The batter requests a review within the permitted time. The third umpire examines whether the delivery was legal, whether the ball touched the bat and what ball-tracking shows about impact and its projected path. The outcome goes back to the on-field umpire, who confirms the decision.
Ball-tracking can produce an Umpire’s Call outcome in marginal LBW situations. Under the applicable criteria, the original on-field decision then stands. An unchanged decision resulting solely from Umpire’s Call normally does not cost the team a review. A guide to the Decision Review System in cricket can help unpack the technology and review limits.
What Does the Fourth or Reserve Umpire Do?
The fourth umpire, sometimes called a reserve umpire, is not another official routinely judging LBW from the boundary. Depending on the event, this person assists with equipment, replacement balls, logistics and communication, and can cover another officiating position if someone becomes unavailable.
The replacement chain is set by the competition’s appointments and playing conditions. For example, the third umpire may move onto the field while the fourth takes over video duties. Domestic matches can use different staffing arrangements.
Match Referee Cricket: Oversight Beyond Each Delivery
A match referee is not an extra umpire who can overrule an LBW or caught-behind decision. The referee oversees aspects of match conduct and administration, liaises with teams and officials, and handles disciplinary matters under the relevant code of conduct. This can include player behaviour and failures to meet minimum over-rate requirements.
Suppose a player repeatedly argues with an umpire. The on-field official manages the immediate situation and may report it. The match referee then deals with any formal charge through the prescribed process, potentially including a hearing and sanction. That responsibility is separate from deciding whether a batter was out.
Who Makes the Call? Three Match Situations
A Direct-Hit Run-Out
A fielder breaks the wicket as a batter dives for the crease. The on-field umpire can refer the close decision. The third umpire checks the footage and communicates the outcome under the referral protocol. This need not consume a team’s DRS review.
A Catch Near the Boundary
Officials may need to determine whether the fielder controlled the ball and stayed within the boundary requirements. Video can assist where the rules allow referral, but the protocol determines who delivers the decision.
A Team Bowls Too Slowly
On-field umpires manage match time and apply immediate playing-condition measures. Formal over-rate disciplinary action, where required, involves the match referee. Penalties vary by format and current regulations; an old match’s fine is not a universal rule.
Why the Laws and Playing Conditions Both Matter
The Marylebone Cricket Club maintains the Laws of Cricket. The ICC and other organisers also issue playing conditions for their events. New MCC Laws and updated ICC playing conditions took effect on 1 October 2026, with ICC changes applying to international series beginning on or after that date. Check the relevant event rules before assuming review limits, technology or penalties are identical everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually two: one at the bowler’s end and one near the striker’s end. Additional officials may operate off the field.
No. Video involvement is limited to incidents and review procedures allowed by the competition’s playing conditions. Some original decisions remain unchanged after review.
No. The third umpire handles eligible video referrals and reviews. The match referee oversees disciplinary and administrative matters rather than rejudging dismissals.
A replacement is arranged under the competition’s protocol. A third or reserve official may move to another position so play can continue.
The Bottom Line
Cricket officiating is a team effort with clear boundaries. On-field umpires control play and make immediate decisions; the third umpire adds video evidence where permitted; reserve officials keep the crew functioning; and the match referee addresses conduct and oversight. Knowing who has authority at each stage makes reviews, close calls and disciplinary decisions easier to follow.
