Umpire Nigel Llong named as third umpire for second Test after shake-up

Umpire Nigel Llong - who came under fire for several howlers in the opening clash against India - will take up a different role for the second Test in Perth.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 10: Virat Kohli of India speaks with Umpire Nigel Llong after a DRS decision was overturned during day five of the First Test match in the series between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 10, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Quick fingered English umpire Nigel Llong will get the benefits of all the technology to make decisions in the second test in Perth.

Llong, who came under fire for several howlers in the opening clash against India in Adelaide, will takes up duties as third umpire when the series resumes on Friday.

The role change was pre-organised but could not have come at a better time for the under fire umpire.

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Umpire Nigel Llong is seen before stopping play due to rain on day three

On three occasions in India’s second innings Llong was quick to thrust up his finger after appeals, only for all three to be overturned on review.

In one instance, third umpire Chris Gaffaney said the ball had “clearly” missed the bat of Indian wall Cheteswhar Pujara as he lunged forward against Nathan Lyon.

Llong was also the man who gave Aussie opener Aaron Finch out caught in the second innings, even though replays suggested it wasn’t out.

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Virat Kohli of India speaks with Umpire Nigel Llong after a DRS decision was overturned during day five

Aussie skipper Tim Paine said he was confused by the DRS, having been told by Gaffaney there would not have been enough evidence to overturn Llong’s decision.

In the first Usman Khawaja was also given out by the third umpire, after Llong kept his hand down after an Indian appeal for caught behind.

Llong and Sri Lankan Kumar Dharmasena both came under fire for failing to pick up no balls also. Only a Finch review in the first innings picked up Ishant Sharma overstepping when he had Finch plumb LBW.

Dharmasena and Gaffaney will take the reins in the field in Perth from Friday.

Originally published as Umpire Nigel Llong named as third umpire for second Test after shake-up