Three on-field umpires have been appointed for a Test match (21st May 2001)

If you thought the third umpire was introduced in Test cricket during the 1992-93 series between India and South Africa, you are right but only partially so. The third umpire referred to here is of course a TV umpire who does not step onto the field of play. But three umpires have taken the field before in a Test match, although not all at the same time. At Edgbaston in 1973, Arthur Fagg refused to stand on the third day in protest against the behaviour of West Indies captain Rohan Kanhai. Former England batsman Alan Oakman officiated for one over before Fagg finally relented. Oakman was called into action again at Edgbaston in 1975 after tea on the third day when 'Dickie' Bird injured his back, with TW Spencer deputising on the fourth and final day.

Three field umpires have also been officially appointed on occasion like at Adelaide in 1884 when TN Cole, I Fisher and J Travers shared their duties equally. More than a century later, when Zimbabwe hosted India in their inaugural Test match at the Harare Sports Club in October 1992, the scenario was revisited. Neutral umpire Bird stood for the entire duration of the game: his 48th Test appearance in an illustrious career dating back to 1973, equalling the mark set by the legendary Frank Chester. Bird was assisted at the other end by two local umpires K Kanjee and ID Robinson, who rotated on alternate days, and the same arrangement continued when New Zealand toured Zimbabwe for a two Test series immediately after the Indians' visit.

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