India vs England, 5th Test: Umpire Paul Reiffel replaced by compatriot Simon Fry after injury in Mumbai

Chennai: Umpire Paul Reiffel, who suffered a concussion after being hit by a Bhuvneshwar Kumar throw during the fourth Test between India and England, has been replaced by fellow Australian Simon Fry in the fifth and final match of the series here.

“Paul Reiffel was scheduled to stand in the Chennai Test. However, on medical advise, he was replaced by Simon Fry during the Mumbai Test following the conclusion of which he returned to Perth. Paul is fine and will resume duties after Christmas in the ODI series between New Zealand and Bangladesh,” an ICC official told PTI.

The unusual incident took place in the post lunch session on the first day of the penultimate Test of the series when Reiffel, standing at the square leg, was struck on the back of his head by a throw from fielder Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the deep.

The former Australia fast bowler was hit flush on the back of his head when the ball was thrown by Bhuvneshwar from deep square leg, resulting in his fall on the turf.

Play was halted for a while as on-field medical attention was administered before the dazed official left the ground to go into the pavilion for further rest and recuperation. Later he underwent MRI scan in a nearby hospital.