Bucknor Sits Atop Umpiring World

Umpire Steve Bucknor now sits alone atop the umpiring world. The Jamaican umpire, who is also a FIFA-qualified football referee, surpassed Dickie Bird's record of 66 Tests during the Old Trafford Test between England and Sri Lanka.

Bucknor was all set to break the record last month during the Pakistan/New Zealand series but a bomb blast in Karachi caused that tour to be abandoned.

He should have broken it last month only for the second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand to be cancelled following a bomb explosion in Karachi.

But he will finally establish the new mark when he stands alongside South Africa's Dave Orchard as England meet Sri Lanka.

"Steve is an outstanding umpire who has the respect of international cricketers throughout the world," said David Richardson, the former South African wicketkeeper who is now ICC's general manager. "He is an excellent decision-maker who controls a match with an authority that allows him to work well with players.

"Off the field, his disciplined lifestyle and commitment to personal fitness have been important in enabling him to reach this milestone. They are also characteristics that set an example for other aspiring umpires to follow."

Bucknor's Test debut came during the 1988-89 series between West Indies and India. He has also stood in 86 ODIs including the 1992, 1996 and 1999 World Cup finals.

Apart from Bucknor and Bird, David Shepherd (62) and Venkat (55) are the only men to have umpired in more than 50 Tests.