Alec Stewart – former England captain and current Surrey director of cricket – took on square-leg umpiring duties on Monday during his side’s County Championship fixture with Northants.

With on-field umpire Russell Warren feeling unwell, the encounter between Surrey and Northamptonshire took an odd turn on its second day as Stewart filled in as an umpire while the hosts batted.

Stewart, 58, dressed in his Surrey coaching kit, took on square-leg duties for the entirety of the afternoon session which saw Northants bowled out for 171.

When Surrey’s openers emerged to bat in their second innings after the tea break, Northants head coach David Ripley’s took on the square-leg role for six overs before Martin Saggers, called in as Warren’s replacement, entered the match.

We’re an umpire short, so Surrey Director of Cricket and England legend Alec Stewart is on square leg duties. pic.twitter.com/QfeuNqivuK

— Kyle Andrews (@K_AndrewsPhotos) September 6, 2021