Watch: Umpire Cyril Mitchley forgets to give ball to Kenny Benjamin in a funny incident

The former South African umpire Cyril Mitchley regularly featured in Test and ODI matches around the world during the nineties. In a match between South Africa and India in 1992, he made history by making the first referral to the 3rd umpire in Test cricket history. He later became an ICC match referee and retired from all officiating duties in 2014. The 5th of the 6-match Test series between England and the West Indies at Nottingham in August 1995 witnessed a funny incident when umpire Mitchley forgot to put his thinking cap on!

Kenny Benjamin was a fine fast bowler for the West Indies in the nineties who gave Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose a valuable support. He was easily the best bowler on this tour to England, swinging the ball more than anyone except the home side’s Dominic Cork. With the series being in the balance on 2-2, the 5th Test witnessed scores of above 400 in the first innings of both teams. The England second innings though was in a spot of bother at 189/9, however, an unbeaten 10th wicket partnership of 80 between Mike Watkinson and the last batsman Richard Illingworth, frustrated the West Indian bowlers to no end.

Benjamin though, managed to stay relaxed and have a bit of fun. Running into bowl to Watkinson he took the run up, reached almost near the umpire and suddenly spread his arms seeming to ask for something. While the batsman stood straight wondering what was going on, the fast bowler turned and looked at the umpire indicating that the object required for him to bowl was missing. Umpire Mitchley, realizing that the ball was in his coat pockets, quickly took it out and handed it over to Benjamin with a smile on his face. The crowd seemed to have enjoyed it and applauded the act. The great Richie Benaud, commentating on the match, also seemed to be mighty impressed and described the act as brilliant.The match ended in a draw as did the following one which meant the series was shared by the two team.

Watch: Umpire Cyril Mitchley forgets to give ball to Kenny Benjamin in a funny incident