Think Cricket & we have the images of a Tendulkar blasting a Shoaib Akhtar out of the park…or a Brett Lee Yorking Attapattu at Express pace!!!!But nobody gives a thought to the elite panel of Gentlemen who leave a mark on the game in their own charismatic way. Yes, I’m talking of the men in white who do a thankless job out in the middle, the ICC Umpires!!!
Having said that, I have a grouse with the ICC with regards to the panel. Barring a couple of Umpires, the others are far below the best. With the raise of the dreaded index finger (crooked or otherwise) , they are the players’ bane.
Here is my attempt at picking the Five Best umpires on the panel.
Top on the list is the inimitable Steve Bucknor from the West Indies.Nothing fazes this man….be it a match of the minnows or the crucial Sri-Lanka Aouth Africa tie. Calm, reassured & measured are his hallmarks.The way he goes about giving a decision makes a snail look a lot faster.Batsmen dread the nod of the head while the bowlers wait for an eternity for the index finger to go up!!!! Certainly the most respectable figure in the middle of Superstars!!!!
David Shepard, the grand old daddy comes a very close second. Portly & huge, he cannot be missed nor can he be messed with. A wealth of experience, he is the epitome of everything that is British…The stiff upper Lip! Respected by the players, he is a treat to watch when the score reaches 111(nelson) or its multiples.Watch for the transfer of weight from one foot to the other until the score changes.The cameramen have chronicled him during these moments for us to enjoy his plight.
Billy Bowden of Kiwiland comes in at three purely for his entertainment value.He has been instrumental in changing the mindset of people that Umps can be entertainers as well. The crroked finger is the latest lexicon to find its way into the annals of Cricket Books.A disability that he has turned into an advantage…His unique way of signalling the Sixes as for his boundaries sure give a feel good factor to the routine of cricket.Enjoy him!!
Apna Venkat comes in purely on his umpiring ability. Like in his playing days, don’t mess with him now as well.Comes across as a rather stern Umpire.But Geometry is his forte, as can be seen from the angles in which he despatches batsmen to the pavilion…arms at right angles by his ears!!!!Imagine that.( Was my attempt at imagining )
Aleem Dar of Pakistan is there in the top five based on his umpiring abilities as well as his looks.He must start a new breed of followers back home in Pakistan. Sharp reflexes are an added advantage for him.( Remember Sachin’s straight shot that whizzed past Aleem & literally swept him off his feet!!!!)
This is purely my choice base on my understanding of the game. Opinions are welcome!!!!