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
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
News
Richard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
England
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
The Hundred
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.