Steve Davis completes half-century of Tests

[Basil]

Steve Davis completes half-century of Tests​

Steve Davis today became the 11th umpire to complete a half-century of Tests when he took the field alongside Rod Tucker for the second and final cricket Test between South Africa and India in Durban.

Davis, born on 9 April 1952 in London, made his Test debut in the third and final Test between Australia and New Zealand in November 1997 in Hobart. He was promoted to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in April 2008.

In addition to 50 Tests, Davis has also umpired in 122 ODIs and 20 T20Is, and has been involved in all the ICC major events, including the ICC World Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2009 and 2013, and the ICC World Twenty20 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

To mark the achievement, Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees presented a crystal plaque to the umpire on behalf of the ICC at a special Christmas lunch in Durban on Wednesday.

A humble Davis, one of the best umpires in the world today, said: “I’m proud to have joined the company of some of the top names to have umpired in 50 Tests. Every Test I have been involved in has been a memorable one for me, not only because I had the privilege to feature in matches played by some of the modern day greats but also because I got an opportunity to work closely with my colleagues and learn something new and different from them each time.

“This has been a fabulous journey for me and I must thank my family and friends, as well as colleagues in Cricket Australia and the ICC for their support and guidance.”

Vince van der Bijl, ICC Umpires’ and Referees’ Manager, congratulated Davis when he said: “Steve officiates with dedication and commitment tinged with enjoyment and humour and applies the Laws and playing conditions firmly yet within the true spirit of this great game – a lovely balance appreciated by all on and off the field, making him popular with match officials and players alike. Steve plays an important role within the match official community as a leader and man who gives wise counsel.

“It is with great pleasure that we honour him on his 50th Test Match.”

Umpire (span) Tests

Steve Bucknor (1989-2009) 128

Rudi Koertzen (1992-2010) 108

Daryl Harper (1998-2011) 95

David Shepherd (1985-2005) 92

Aleem Dar (2003-to date) 86

Darrell Hair (1992-2008) 78

Billy Bowden (2000- to date) 76

Simon Taufel (2000-2012) 74

Srinivas Venkataraghavan (1993-04) 73

d*cky Bird (1973-1996) 66

Steve Davis (1997- to date) 50