Fry, Ward retire from elite umpiring

The pair stood in their final match together in a Sheffield Shield game in March

Simon Fry of South Australia and John Ward of Victoria have retired from elite umpiring. Fry who stood in 100 First-Class matches, 130 List ‘A’ games and 93 T20s has bid adieu to elite umpiring after 20 seasons. 
Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield victory over New South Wales at Blundstone Arena in March was the last match of their career. 

“Never would I have thought that a chance meeting with a former teammate would lead to a twenty-year career in the game that I love. I believe the time is right to step aside and for someone else to experience the same opportunities, challenges and sense of satisfaction that I have enjoyed,” Fry said in his retirement. 
“I feel fortunate to have made many wonderful friendships which I will treasure forever. I wish to thank the SACA, CA and the ICC for their support throughout my career,” added Fry, who has also won the CA Umpire Award four times across the 20 seasons of his career. 

On the other hand, Victoria’s John Ward, with a little less experience than Fry, acted as an umpire for 19 seasons which consisted of 87 First-Class, 84 List ‘A’ and 117 T20 matches. 

“I feel very fortunate to have umpired cricket at this level for so long. It has been a privilege. The relationships I’ve developed with on-field colleagues, match referees, CA staff and players have been the highlight for me,” said John Ward. (Agencies)