Former Test umpire David Shepherd dies at 68
October 28, 2009
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Shepherd was a renowned international umpire and officiated in 172 ODIs, including three consecutive World Cup finals, and 92 Tests between 1983 and 2005. His good-humoured approach to officiating and quirky superstitions - most notably his 'jig' when scores reached 111 or a multiple thereof - made him a favourite with players and spectators the world over.
Shepherd was appointed a first-class umpire in 1981, and made his international debut at the 1983 World Cup. He would go onto become one of the game's most decorated and beloved officials. Only Steve Bucknor and Rudi Koertzen have stood in more Tests.
His last Test match was between West Indies and Pakistan in Kingston in June 2005 - after which Brian Lara presented him with a bat inscribed with a message thanking him for "the service, the memories and the professionalism" - and his final county appearance came at his former home ground of Bristol. Shepherd had represented Gloucestershire as a batsman over a 14-year career, which included 282 first-class matches and 12 centuries.
In confirming his passing on Wednesday, a statement on the Gloucestershire website spoke of Shepherd's "cheerful west country approach." "He was respected by all with whom he came in contact, especially the international players with whom he encountered in so many Test Matches," the statement continued. "He always brought a smile to all our faces. For him cricket was a lovely game, a simple game and a game to be enjoyed. He himself brought so much enjoyment to so many of us."
One of the first tributes to come in was from his long-time colleague, Dickie Bird. "I feel very saddened this has happened," Bird told Sky Sports. "He was a fine umpire, we spent many happy hours together. He was a great man and a tremendous man to umpire with. He was a good bloke, he'll be sadly missed."
Upon his retirement from umpiring, Shepherd returned to Devon and remained involved with his local club. He married Jenny, his long-time partner, in 2008.
His Career Profile.....
One of the most respected and liked umpires in international cricket, David Shepherd was born and bred in Devon, and although he has travelled the world plying his trade, he has always been true to his West Country roots. Instantly recognisable, the genial Shepherd is one of the most popular and highly-respected umpires. He is possibly best known for his aversion to the dreaded Nelson, but that disguises the fact that he is a fair and competent official, as shown by the fact the he stood in three successive World Cup finals (1996, 1999, 2003) and six tournaments overall.
As a player, he was immensely popular, his roly-poly figure again hidinmg his worth to Gloucestershire as a pugnacious middle-order batsman who contributed to the side both on and off the field. He made his county debut late - he was 25 - after dabbling in teaching, and smashed a hundred on debut. Despite his bulk, which made him something of a liability in the field, he excelled at the one-day game where his placing of shots compensated for his lack of speed between the wickets.
"It is not only his build, though that calls the deep rooted countryman to mind," wrote Geoffrey Moorhouse. "His bottom hand is clamped massively just above the shoulder of the bat,, as some ancestor probably held a scythe, or possibly a blacksmith's maul. He stands ... head scanning the field of play the way men do by gates when they are contemplating crops.
He was appointed as a first-class
umpire in 1981 and the speed of his elevation to the international
stage was evidence of his ability and the regard in which he was, and
still is, held. In 2005 he umpires his last Test match and then umpired
his final international game - England v Australia at The Oval - before
fittingly ending his career at Bristol.
Umpiring Career
- Commenced first-class umpiring 1981.
- Commenced Test match umpiring in 1985.
- Officiated in:
- 1983 World cup (England);
- 1987 World Cup (India/Pakistan);
- 1992 World Cup (Australia/New Zealand);
- 1996 World Cup (India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka) including the final;
- 1999 World Cup (England) including the final;
- 2003 World Cup (South Africa) including the final;
- Two Tests South Africa v India in 1992/93 during the ICC/National Grid pilot scheme
- Appointed to the National Grid Panel 1994.
Posted by Masud Rahman. Posted In : David Shepherd
