On Saturday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) finalized Marais Erasmus, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, and Kumar Dharmasena as the in-charge umpires for the fourth and fifth Ashes Test matches. The last two Tests are scheduled to take place at Old Trafford and The Oval respectively.
Previously, Dharmasena was appointed as the TV umpire for the 4th Test match, but will now accompany Erasmus as the on-field umpire in the remaining two games. Ruchira Palliyaguruge will make the final decision when required as the third umpire in both the matches.
Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath has been appointed as the match referee.
The first three Tests witnessed several umpiring errors. Umpire Joel Wilson got eight decisions wrong at Edgbaston, while Chris Gaffaney’s seven decisions were overturned at Headingley.
Wilson had not given England hero Ben Stokes out LBW off Nathan Lyon’s ball that cost Australia the match and a series win.
Decision Review System (DRS) clearly showed that Stokes would have been out as the ball was hitting the stumps.
The series is currently tied at 1-1, and the two teams will now meet at Manchester for the fourth Test that gets underway from September 4.
