Umpires bending their backs during the delivery stride – when did the change occur?

[SOPL]

After having looked through some old clips of cricket in the past, I wanted to ask a question to the knowledgeable posters of this forum.

In Test matches of yore, one feature that I noticed appears to have stayed constant is umpires bending their backs during the bowler's delivery stride (most likely to concentrate on the ball to a greater degree and gain a better sight of it).

I understand this may appear a slightly farcical thread but I was just wondering as to when the change occurred.

 

[Red]

I'd imagine when they changed from watching the back foot to watching the front foot when looking for no-balls

 

[Red]

Rules I'd Change: Ian Chappell on reverting to the back-foot no-ball law | Cricinfo Magazine | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[Biryani Pillow]

I think Frank Chester might have been the one who introduced the idea of observing matters in such a way at the bowlers end. It was certainly someone from that era and as he was top dog he is most likely.

I would imagine over 6 hours or so umpiring I would find this most uncomfortable.

On the courses new umpires are given informal guidance on good practice.

I stand with feet apart at just less than shoulder width and my weight just towards my toes and slightly 'sunk' so my legs aren't ramrod straight. The ability for an umpire to react and move very sharply, both to get into position and avoid being hit by the ball cannot be stressed enough.

 

[Burgey]

I'm going to go all retro and umpire in this manner at Burgeinho's game this morning.

 

[fredfertang]

Will you be standing at square leg throughout Burgeinho's time at the crease?

 

[BeeGee]

Umpires bending their backs during the delivery stride – when did the change occur?

Probably after this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOscUoF7ytg&t=2m10s

 

[uvelocity]

I'm going to go all retro and umpire in this manner at Burgeinho's game this morning.

bending over hadnt come in yet when burgey started umpiring

 

[Red]

bending over hadnt come in yet when burgey started umpiring

Bending over back then was probably agin the law still...