End of an Era! Bruce Oxenford and Paul Wilson bid barewell to Cricket Australia National Umpires Panel

Australia’s respected and long-serving umpires, Paul Wilson and Bruce Oxenford, are set to end their careers after the current Australian season. Both Paul Wilson and Bruce Oxenford have announced their retirement from the Cricket Australia National Umpires Panel.

Paul Wilson and Bruce Oxenford will officiate their last match during the Marsh Sheffield Shield clash between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA Ground in Perth from March 1 to 4. This fixture marks the end of their distinguished umpiring careers.

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Paul Wilson and Bruce Oxenford Have Their Retirements

Paul Wilson represented the Australian cricket team in Tests and ODIs before transitioning to umpiring. Wilson played one Test and 11 ODIs in his international career. The former Australian cricketer served as an umpire for 11 years on the ICC International Panel.

The 52-year-old officiated in eight Tests, 43 ODIs, and 26 T20 Internationals. Wilson presided over a total of 62 first-class matches and 61 List-A matches, as well as 88 BBL matches. He was named as one of the match officials for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

Bruce Oxenford served 13 years on the ICC Elite Panel before ending his career with the Cricket Australia National Umpiring Panel. Oxenford officiated in 62 Tests and 97 ODIs in his career. He also officiated in 75 first-class matches, 50 List A matches, and 43 BBL games.

Bruce Oxenford officiated his maiden ODI match in 2008 and his debut Test match in 2010. The 63-year-old was promoted to the prestigious ICC Elite Umpire Panel in 2012. However, in January 2021, Oxenford announced his retirement from international umpiring.

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Honored To Be Able To Spend Last Match With Bruce Oxenford – Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson expressed gratitude to Cricket Australia for allowing him to follow in the footsteps of umpires Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker. The former Australian cricketer acknowledged the honor of sharing his final first-class match with Oxenford. Wilson will continue as an umpire across multiple franchise tournaments.

“I am forever grateful to Cricket Australia for signing me to the Project Panel, following in the footsteps of Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker. This profession has enabled me to travel the world, be a part of some amazing cricket matches, and make lifelong friends along the way,” Wilson said.

“Officiating is what we do but not who we are. My wife, Sally, has been an incredible support to me and a pillar of strength for our young family particularly when we spend long periods away from home. I now look forward to spending more time with my crew and begin writing the next chapter in our story!”

“I’m truly honored to be able to spend my last First-Class match with Ox (Oxenford).”

Paul Wilson’s umpiring career spans various formats and tournaments, including international events such as the ICC World Cups. Additionally, Wilson also officiated women’s international cricket, covering one Test match, eight one-day internationals, and one T20I.

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