On This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
One of cricket’s favourite figures announced his impending retirement 25 years ago on January 12.
Dickie Bird had become the sport’s most famous and well-loved umpire during a 23-year officiating career, renowned for his Yorkshire humour and eccentricities.
At the age of 62, Bird decided it was time to bring an end to his international career, announcing his final match would be the second Test against India at Lord’s later that summer.
At the instigation of England captain Michael Atherton, an emotional Bird was given a guard of honour from both teams as he walked out onto the pitch.
That did not stop him giving Atherton out leg before wicket for a duck in the first over of the match.
Bird began his cricketing career as a batsman for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, making 93 appearances and scoring two centuries.
A knee injury caused him to retire at 32 and six years later he officiated in his first county game before taking charge of a maiden Test match in 1973 between England and New Zealand at Headingley.
Overall, he umpired in 66 Tests – a world record at the time – and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.
He continued to umpire at county level for another two years until 1998 and has remained a popular figure in retirement.
A statue of Bird was erected in his home town of Barnsley in 2009 while in March 2014 he was appointed president of Yorkshire.
Latest
-
NewsDom Bess in ‘good place’ and feels ready to play Test cricket without pressure
The spinner is ready to deliver if involved in the upcoming series and is excited for the Ashes too.
-
NewsOn this day in 2003: Nasser Hussain stands down as England Test captain
Hussain said he felt “tired and stale” and wanted to focus on his batting.
-
NewsWorcestershire make it two in a row with 11-run victory over Gloucestershire
Opener Jack Haynes led the way with 59 off 61 balls with seven fours and a six.
-
NewsTom Westley and Essex have their sights set on Royal London Cup silverware
Essex, who won the domestic Twenty20 competition in 2019, have only two players in The Hundred.
-
NewsMatt Parkinson stars at Manchester Originals have Birmingham Phoenix in a spin
The England leg spinner’s four for nine set up the victory for Jos Buttler’s side.
-
NewsHaseeb Hameed hundred helps Nottinghamshire defeat Warwickshire
Essex and Lancashire remain perfect in Group Two after two games.
-
NewsHundred organisers hit out at ‘unacceptable’ abuse
Players have been targeted since the launch of cricket’s new format.
-
NewsJoe Root admits friendship will be set aside against Ben Stokes in The Hundred
The England pair face off with Trent Rockers and Northern Superchargers on Monday.
-
NewsLocal hero Jonny Bairstow stuns Headingley with impressive Welsh Fire knock
Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow, captaining the Fire, hit 56 from 36 balls in The Hundred clash.
-
News‘He’s a fantastic asset’ – Joe Root excited to see Rashid Khan in Hundred action
The England Test captain and Afghanistan leg-spinner are team-mates at Trent Rockets.