Harold Dickie Bird passes away at 92 as cricket loses icon
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One of the most senior and beloved umpires in the history of cricket, Harold Dickie Bird, has died at the age of 92. The legendary umpire officiated in 66 Tests and 69 One-Day internationals, which also included three World Cup Finals.
To every innings, there is always an end, be it in cricket or in life. Cricket's legendary Umpire Harold 'Dickie' Bird has also ended his innings at the edge of 92. The legendary umpire has officially stood in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
After having ended his cricketing career as a batter in 1960, he was ruled out due to injury. Four years later, he switched to umpiring and then went on to be a household name.
Umpiring great Harold Dickie Bird dies aged 92
The legendary English umpire Dickie Bird took up umpiring in 1970 and throughout his career was largely known for his famously anxious attitude to timekeeping. In a turn of events, he travelled to London for his second match and arrived there at 6 am for an 11 am match. He was famously caught by a policeman attempting to scale the wall of the still-locked ground.
After leaving his umpiring career, he also served as the president of the Yorkshire Cricket Club in his hometown. He served there until 2014. And now, 11 years later, at the age of 92, he died a peaceful death at his residence.
A tiny Glimpse of Dickie Bird's illustrious career
Dickie Bird began his career back in 1956 for Yorkshire as a top-order batter and continued for a decade in national cricket. After Yorkshire, he moved to Leicestershire in 1960, and since then, his career has seen a major dip due to frequent injuries. These injuries had cut short his career as a cricketer. He averaged 20.71 in 93 first-class matches with 2 centuries and a personal best of 181.
In 1970, Dickie Bird made his debut as an umpire and soon transitioned into a well-known figure. During his umpiring days, he was known for his reluctant attitude to raise his finger for LBW appeals. Had he been in the modern era, many of his decisions would have been overturned by the DRS. In his final Test, he received a guard of honour from the Indian and English players.
One of the most memorable incidents in Dickie Bird's career included his decision during the 1995 West Indies tour, where he halted play due to excessive sunlight. In the same match, he also dropped a pocket full of marbles that he used to count deliveries with.
Yorkshire County pays tribute to the former Umpire
Yorkshire, the County Club for whom he first started playing and then served as the president, said of him to be 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 Official account of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club wrote on their social media handle.
"He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility and joy - and a legion of admirers across generations," Yorkshire added.
