The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Benson takes ill, Howell stands in

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Friday, Dec 29, 2006
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Benson takes ill, Howell stands in

Umpire Mark Benson. — File Photo: AFP

Durban: The third day's play of the second Test was just 14 minutes old when standing umpire Mark Benson, who appeared in immense discomfort, was forced to leave the ground. Soon the reason — palpitation of the heart — was made available to the media.

Mr. Benson was rushed to a nearby hospital for an ECG check-up, while the third umpire, South African Ian Howell, who is not in the Elite Panel, joined Asad Rauf in the field of play. Marais Erasmus, the fourth umpire, took Mr. Howell's place as the third umpire.

This emergency swap was within the ICC rules, although Mr. Howell is a home umpire. Law 3 (clause 3.1.5) of the ICC rules for umpires says, "The home board shall appoint an umpire for each Test, who shall act as an emergency umpire and officiate in regard to replays."

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar did not see any problem with his elevation. "I gather that he has umpired in Tests before. This was a rare occurrence, somebody became unwell."

Mr. Benson will be under observation for 24 hours in the hospital. — Special Correspondent

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