Special Feature: Cricket’s Best Umpires

Tags: David Shepherd, Dickie Bird, Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, Simon Taufel, Aleem Dar, Cricwaves Columns

Published on: Jun 08, 2012

West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove has announced his retirement from international cricket after a career spanning 14 years. A member of ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires, Doctrove was among the more respected umpires in international cricket, which is the reason why he stood in 38 Tests, 112 ODIs and 17 T20 internationals, including the final of the ICC World Twenty20 between England and Australia in Barbados in 2010.

West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove has announced his retirement from international cricket after a career spanning 14 years. A member of ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires, Doctrove was among the more respected umpires in international cricket, which is the reason why he stood in 38 Tests, 112 ODIs and 17 T20 internationals, including the final of the ICC World Twenty20 between England and Australia in Barbados in 2010. Though he was the umpire in the controversial Oval Test between England and Pakistan in 2006, he was never involved in an untoward incident on the field as such. As Doctrove heads into the sunset, we look at other international umpires, past and present, who have made a name for themselves as exceptional caretakers of the game.

David ShepherdDavid Shepherd: He may no longer be with us, but the delightful jig that he did every time a batting side reached nelson will always remain immortal. Unlike Billy Bowden, Shepard’s antics never took away the attention from the game that was on. He was ever so subtle in his demeanour. The man who officiated in 92 Tests and 172 ODIs, including three World Cup finals, was loved by players and fans alike. Despite his intimidating built, Shepherd was always friendly with the players, which made him an instant hit. World cricket will always miss a gentleman like Shepherd.

Dickie Bird: In many ways, Bird was like the precursor of Shepherd. Another noble character, Bird was a likeable umpire in the true sense. The sight of Curtly Ambrose running in to bowl only to end up hugging Bird remains one of the most poignant moments on the cricket field. Among Bird’s greatest strength was his ability to manage players on the cricket field using his humour. Even the most violent of players couldn’t resist his charm. An eccentric character, Bird was highly respected as well, proved by the standing ovation he got while officiating in his last Test between India and England in 1996. He ended up umpiring in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs

S. Venkataraghavan: He was like the school master. Attention to detail was the Indian’s forte. For years, he stood at the place of judgment, stoic as ever. No player could coax a decision out of him by sheer force. In a way, he was the antithesis of Bird and Shepherd in the same era, but was equally well respected since he was also a gentleman. A fitness freak, Venkataraghavan kept India’s flag high, standing in 73 Tests and 52 ODIs.

Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar: Taufel and Dar have a lot in common. Both have been chosen as the umpire of year more than once, and both are regarded as the world’s best umpires in modern day cricket. Significantly, both are young and go about their job in a strikingly similar calm and composed manner. With the older hands retiring, the future of international umpiring is on the young shoulders of Taufel and Dar. As of now, they are doing an excellent job.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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