Legendary umpire Dickie Bird dies age 92

Dickie Bird

Iconic former cricket umpire Dickie Bird has died at the age of 92.

Bird, whose first-class playing career was cut short by injury, became one of the most famous umpires in the game.
He officiated in 66 Tests and 76 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals, between 1973 and 1996.

Bird’s home county Yorkshire, whom he played for and served as president, described him as a “national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth”.

“He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility and joy - and a legion of admirers across generations,” Yorkshire said.

Bird was born in Barnsley and played club cricket with legendary England batter Geoff Boycott and journalist and TV host Sir Michael Parkinson, with whom he remained close friends.

A right-handed batter, Bird began his playing career at Yorkshire before moving to Leicestershire. He played 93 first-class matches and scored two centuries.

But he will be remembered for his career as an umpire.

At one stage, his 66 Tests were the most an umpire had stood in.

He stood in his last official match in 1998 - a fixture between Yorkshire and Warwickshire at Headingley, where he remained a regular visitor.  (BBC sport)