One of the most senior and beloved umpires in cricket history, Harold Dickie Bird, has passed away at the age of 92. The legendary umpire officiated in 66 Tests and 69 One-Day Internationals, including three World Cup Finals.
Farewell to an Icon: Harold Dickie Bird Passes Away at 92
To every innings, there is always an end, whether in cricket or in life. Cricket’s legendary umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird has also ended his innings at the age of 92. Over his long and remarkable career, he played in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
After ending his playing career as a batter in 1960 due to injury, Harold Dickie Bird switched to umpiring four years later and quickly became a household name.
Harold Dickie Bird’s Umpiring Journey
The legendary English umpire, Harold Dickie Bird began umpiring in 1970 and became well-known for his famously careful approach to timekeeping. In one memorable story, he traveled to London for his second match and arrived at 6 am for an 11 am start. He was even caught by a policeman trying to scale the still-locked ground.
After retiring from umpiring, he continued to serve cricket as the president of the Yorkshire Cricket Club in his hometown, holding the position until 2014. Now, 11 years later, he has died peacefully at home at the age of 92.
A Glimpse of His Cricket Career
Dickie Bird started his career in 1956 with Yorkshire as a top-order batter and played for a decade in national cricket. After moving to Leicestershire in 1960, his playing career was hampered by injuries. He played 93 first-class matches, averaging 20.71, scoring two centuries, with a personal best of 181.
In 1970, he made his umpiring debut and quickly became a well-known figure. He was famous for his reluctant approach to giving LBW decisions. Had he umpired in the modern era, many of his decisions might have been overturned by DRS. In his final Test, he received a guard of honour from both Indian and English players.
One of the most memorable moments in his career came during the 1995 West Indies tour when he halted play due to excessive sunlight. In the same match, he also dropped a pocket full of marbles he used to count deliveries.
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Yorkshire County Pays Tribute
Yorkshire, the club where he began his playing career and later served as president, described him as a “national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth.”
“It is with profound sadness that The Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces the passing of Harold Dennis Dickie Bird MBE OBE, one of cricket’s most beloved figures, who died peacefully at home at the age of 92,” the club wrote on its social media.
“He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility and joy – and a legion of admirers across generations,” Yorkshire added.
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