The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : David Shepherd

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

David Shepherd — a true professional

LONDON: The Duke of Edinburgh led a series of glowing tributes to one of cricket's greatest-ever umpires David Shepherd whose international career comes to an end with Tuesday's NatWest Challenge match between England and Australia.

To commemorate Shepherd's retirement, the Duke of Edinburgh said, ``David Shepherd has a pretty good record as a player in first class cricket, but his success as an umpire is not measured in statistics. Really good umpires need a special kind of personality and temperament in order to exercise that discreet control which makes such a difference to the quality of any match.''

``I am delighted to have this opportunity to add my congratulations and best wishes to David Shepherd on his retirement,'' he said.

Sir John Major, the former British Prime Minister, sent a personal letter to Shepherd: ``you have brought skill and character to a game that thrives on both these attributes and we all owe you our thanks. May you stand on both your feet until at least the age of 111.''

Outstanding umpire

Michael Vaughan, the England captain, spoke on behalf of England. He said: `Shep' — we will miss you in the middle, especially when the score gets to 111 and you start going walkabout at square leg! Good luck with your retirement, you have been an outstanding umpire, a true professional and a great credit to the game.''

Australian captain Ricky Ponting sent a message on behalf of his team as well.

``Australian teams have always enjoyed playing in matches officiated by `Shep'. He has always had a great rapport with players and is universally liked and respected throughout the cricketing world. His contribution to the game has been immense and on behalf of Australian cricket I say congratulations on a wonderful international career.'' — UNI

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