Lost of a Legend: Cricket Umpire David Shepherd is no more..
The ICC today condoled the death of legendary umpire David Shepherd, saying the Englishman was one of the greatest match officials the game has ever produced. Shepherd passed away last night at the age of 68 after battling cancer. His wife Jenny, whom he married last year, survives him.
David Shepherd was an umpire par excellence. His chubby face and portly figure loomed large as he stood behind the wickets; ready to scrutinise every ball. Respected by players Shepherd was also a crowd favourite all across the cricketing fraternity. He was the umpire who made 'nelson number' a rage, hopping on one leg till the score changed from unlucky 111.
Shepherd, who played for Gloucestershire for 14 years, stood in 92 test matches and 172 one-day international games between 1983 and 2005. He umpired three successive World Cup finals (1996, 1999 and 2003) and six tournaments overall. Shepherd will be fondly remembered for strictly observing cricket's Nelson tradition; giving a small hop whenever the score reached 111.
His umpiring career started in 1981 from first-class matches. His last Test appearance was in June 2005 between the West Indies and Pakistan in Kingston and his final appearance was in an ODI at The Oval in 2005
"David was a true gentleman of the game. He was a fine player and a match official of the very highest quality. He will be remembered fondly by players, spectators and administrators who saw him as a great entertainer but also as one of the best umpires the game has ever seen," ICC President David Morgan said in his condolence message.
The example he set as someone who took the art of umpiring very seriously while also enjoying what he did immensely will leave a lasting legacy for the game
David Shepherd was an umpire par excellence. His chubby face and portly figure loomed large as he stood behind the wickets; ready to scrutinise every ball. Respected by players Shepherd was also a crowd favourite all across the cricketing fraternity. He was the umpire who made 'nelson number' a rage, hopping on one leg till the score changed from unlucky 111.
Shepherd, who played for Gloucestershire for 14 years, stood in 92 test matches and 172 one-day international games between 1983 and 2005. He umpired three successive World Cup finals (1996, 1999 and 2003) and six tournaments overall. Shepherd will be fondly remembered for strictly observing cricket's Nelson tradition; giving a small hop whenever the score reached 111.
His umpiring career started in 1981 from first-class matches. His last Test appearance was in June 2005 between the West Indies and Pakistan in Kingston and his final appearance was in an ODI at The Oval in 2005
"David was a true gentleman of the game. He was a fine player and a match official of the very highest quality. He will be remembered fondly by players, spectators and administrators who saw him as a great entertainer but also as one of the best umpires the game has ever seen," ICC President David Morgan said in his condolence message.
The example he set as someone who took the art of umpiring very seriously while also enjoying what he did immensely will leave a lasting legacy for the game
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