Umpires under spotlight again in third Ashes Test at Headingley

During the 2019 Ashes series the performance of umpires and use of DRS has been put under much scrutiny.

In the third Test unfortunately it appears that some issues persist.

New Zealand umpire Chris Gaffaney made three incorrect decisions that were overturned by players' reviews on day one at Headingley.

The first gaffe came as Usman Khawaja was given not out by the umpire despite Stuart Broad desperately appealing. Instantly captain Joe Root reviewed the call and it was clear Khawaja had edged down leg straight to the 'keeper.

The decision was overturned and Khawaja was sent packing.

The next howler came as David Warner was on 61. Broad again was the bowler, who appealed for an edge which Gaffaney agreed he saw too, and raised his finger. Warner looked displeased and immediately reviewed the call, where replays proved he did not get bat to ball at all, allowing the Aussie to remain at the crease.

It didn't matter in the end though, with Warner dismissed by England quick Jofra Archer in the very next over.

But Gaffaney had one more error before the end of Australia's first innings on day one of the third Test.

Aussie skipper Tim Paine was looking to rescue his side, when Chris Woakes' LBW appeal was ignored. After some consideration with Root, England decided to review and Hawk Eye confirmed Paine was indeed out.

Archer snared six wickets in Leeds, creating chaos as Australia lost 8-43 to be rolled for 179 on a rain-affected opening day of the third Ashes Test.

Warner and Marnus Labuschagne shared a 111-run stand, frustrating Root with the help of some sloppy fielding plus delays prompted by bad light and light rain at Headingley.

But, as is so often the case in England, one wicket quickly brought more in a collapse of 3-3 that spanned 15 balls.

Paine, the only other batsman to reach double figures outside Warner and Labuschagne, steadied temporarily but Archer returned to the attack to fire out three tailenders in a collapse of 5-17 that ended the day and innings.

Travis Head and Matthew Wade were bowled for ducks in consecutive overs, with the latter out when an Archer delivery struck the thigh pad then rolled onto the stumps.

- with AAP