Umpire Reiffel says 'No' to helmet despite being hit on the head

Umpire Reiffel says 'No' to helmet despite being hit on the head

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Hit on the head? So what? Umpire Paul Reiffel has said ‘No’ to the idea of wearing a helmet while officiating during Test matches. 

Reiffel, who is currently relaxing at his home in Melbourne was supposed to officiate the ongoing India-England Test match at Chennai, but was forced to walk off the field after suffering a concussion during the first Day of the fourth Test at Mumbai and had to be replaced by third umpire Marais Erasmus

"It would be too heavy and too hot, five days with a helmet on, it just would be impossible.  It's hard to hear [with the helmet on]. I've put one on and thought 'could I umpire in this?', and I thought I'd really struggle." Reiffel said to Fairfax Media. 

The former Australia fast bowler rued of not keeping his eyes on the ball while the action was on. 

"Always keep your eye on the ball," he said. "I just didn't do it. I feel a bit silly not doing that. It's like playing; if you watch the ball you should come out all right. It was just an accident. I'd back myself to get out of the way if I see it coming."

Reiffel was caught off guard when a Bhuvneshwar Kumar throw hit him on the back of his head. 

"The batsmen had stopped running, the fieldsmen were taking their time. I must have relaxed and expected him to throw it to the keeper over my head and he decided to throw it halfway to the fieldsman. He got it wrong and hit me on the back of my head. It got me behind the ear and hit me flush, that's what's done the damage," added Reiffel.

The ICC took the decision of replacing umpire Reiffel with Simon Fry for the India-England Test match at Chennai.

Reiffel however, is expected to be back in action for New Zealand-Bangladesh ODI series later this month.