Billy Bowden of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires this week stood in his 150th One-Day International as he took charge of the Australia v England match in Melbourne, joining an exclusive club of officials who have been involved in that many matches.
Bowden (47) made his international debut on 29 March 1995 in a match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Hamilton and since then has gone on to become one of the game’s most recognisable officials, also standing in 65 Tests and 19 Twenty20 Internationals so far.
A member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires since 2003, Bowden has been one of the top match officials in the game for many years and umpired at the ICC Cricket World Cups in 2003 and 2007.
“Wow! 150 ODIs. Where has the time gone?” said Bowden.
“Umpiring still gives me a buzz, even goose bumps, when I walk out to officiate an ODI. I have to pinch myself now and again to realise what a privilege it is to be part of such a wonderful game and to have the opportunity to challenge my skills at the international level. To umpire the best players in the world and to stand with some of the best umpires in the world can’t get any better really,” he said.
Umpires who have stood in 150 or more ODIs (correct to 18 January 2010):
Rudi Koertzen - 209
Steve Bucknor - 181
David Shepherd - 172
Daryl Harper - 168
Simon Taufel - 157*
Billy Bowden - 150
*Including today’s South Africa v India ODI at Cape Town which, at the time of writing, had not yet started.
“Since umpiring my first ODI back in 1995 the game has definitely changed. It is far more professional, the skills of the players have improved dramatically and with technology having a big part of the game it is now testing the skills of an umpire.
“Umpiring is very professional now and it’s imperative that we don't take the game for granted but instead look at ways to plan and prepare to become mentally and physically stronger to handle the pressures and challenges we face in the modern game. I walk out to each game thinking it’s my first as this keeps me alert & on edge. Umpiring is not always a bed of roses but to me a tough day on the field beats any good day at the office.
“150 is only a number but in saying that, it’s a proud moment for me as a New Zealander and ICC cricket umpire. To join five other international elite umpires to reach this milestone is hugely satisfying especially having lived with arthritis since 1986. I last umpired Australia versus England in a ODI back in 2005 at Lord’s where it ended in a tie so to have the opportunity to umpire my 150th ODI at the MCG with Australia versus England with a massive crowd is something very special.
“Most importantly, I want to say a big thank you to my gorgeous wife Jen, my family and friends, NZ Cricket and the ICC for their faith and support in allowing me to express and enjoy myself as an umpire. My love for umpiring is still on a high and I'm looking forward to following my passion to become the best umpire I can be,” said Bowden.
Commenting on the milestone, ICC Umpires’ and Referees’ Manager Vince van der Bijl said: “We are delighted to congratulate Billy on reaching the umpiring landmark of 150 ODIs, joining a very select group.
“It is fitting that the match will be between those two old rivals, Australia and England, and that it will be played in that testing of environments at the MCG because Billy has had to overcome many challenges to be the successful, passionate and strong umpire that he is today.
“Billy’s unique style and approach has also made him one of the most recognisable figures in the game. He positively promotes umpiring and the game of cricket whenever he can.
“Billy has been an integral part of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for many years now and has already given excellent service. We congratulate him of this fine achievement.”
