Shepherd’s swansong

The second test between West Indies and Pakistan at Sabina Park will be the 92nd and last Test Match for David Shepherd as umpire.

Only Steve Bucknor [102] has officiated in more, and even he cannot match Shepherd’s total of 167 One-day Internationals officiated in. Rest assured, “Shep” has not yet retired from ODIs, there will be a couple more before he hangs those boots up.

Shepherd, a former Gloucestershire batsman, will turn 65 this December. It is said that the introduction of Neutral umpires and the consequent travelling and time away from home has taken its toll on him.

The one thing David Shepherd will always be remembered for though, is the superstitious hop-skip-jump routine. The routine he dishes out whenever the score is on a nelson – 111, or a multiple of it.

Known as a jovial and cheerful person, Shepherd has earned the respect of his colleagues and the players who’ve played under him. A truly great umpire, his presence on the field will be sorely missed.

David Shepherd factfile:

Born: 27 December 1940, Bideford, Devon

International umpiring career:
First Test match: England v Australia at Manchester, 4th Test, 1985
First ODI match: Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Swansea, World Cup, 1983
Current world record holder for highest number of ODIs as umpire