The retirement of an umpire doesn’t often generate as much hype in comparison to when a player hangs up his boots. And like most other former officials, Australia’s Simon Taufel will also walk away quietly following the World T20 final between Sri Lanka and West Indies. Even so, he deserves a tribute for the great service he has rendered to the sport over the last decade. So, as he steps onto the field for one final time on Sunday, we look back at the things we’ll miss about him when Mr. Taufel is not around.
His calm, assured presence
Few umpires have been as calm and relaxed under pressure as Taufel. The Aussie, unlike most cricketers to come out for the country, has never once had a rude word for any player on the cricket field. This is one of the reasons why he has earned respective worldwide, not only among the players, but among the general public as well. In tense match situations, it is easy for cricketers to get carried away, and intrude into unwanted territory. These are times when the umpire has every right to reprimand such players crossing the line. However, Taufel was a firm believer in letting things calm down naturally. At best, he would come out with a gentle smile or a friendly pat to diffuse the situation. Not for him the ‘mind your manners’ style.
His thoughtful decision-making process
Many umpires these days have a habit of declaring batsman out depending on the voracity of the appeal. Taufel was never one to do so. Every decision of his was carefully analysed; only when he was completely sure of a batsman being out did his hand come up. If it meant taking longer than usual, then so be it. Taufel’s unhurried approach is a sign that even in the modern, fast-paced world there is enough time to ponder upon what’s right.
Taufel’s dedication to the game, and thoughts on the same are amazing. The outgoing umpire would actually stand in practice sessions of teams to improve his already superior decision-making skills. If that is not commitment, then what is? At the height of the technology vs human debate, Taufel commented that while available modern techniques should be used as an aid to help on-field umpires, they shouldn’t be overused else the field umpires would end up being mere spectators. Well said, can’t agree more.
Setting the benchmark
Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena may have won the best umpire award in recent times, but there was a period during which the ICC couldn’t look beyond Taufel. At a time when international umpiring was hitting a new low, this young Australia came along and set the benchmark for others to follow. Throughout the course of his career, Taufel made very few umpiring blunders, a tribute to his unwavering work ethic. Of course, he wasn’t faultless, but not one bad decision of his instantly springs to mind, which reiterates why he was such a genius as an umpire. One hopes the teams give him a warm send off, irrespective of whether the players are from the winning or losing side. Taufel, for all his services to the game, deserves one.
--By A Cricket Analyst
