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Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird, one of the most recognisable figures in the game, passed away at the age of 92. Bird, born Harold Dennis Bird in Barnsley, Yorkshire, on 19 April 1933, started out as a cricketer before moving into umpiring. He played as a right-handed batsman for Yorkshire and Leicestershire between 1956 and 1964, scoring two first-class centuries in 93 matches. His playing career, however, was cut short by a recurring knee injury. After his county stint ended, Bird turned to coaching and then took to umpiring. He stood in his first county game in 1970 and just three years later, officiated his first Test match, which was England against New Zealand at Headingley. Over the next two decades, Bird umpired in 66 Test matches and 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup finals. At the time, his tally of Tests officiated was a world record. Known for his sharp judgment and eccentric style, Bird was respected by players and fans alike. His final Test came in 1996, when India toured England. Players from both teams formed a guard of honour as he walked out to the middle, a moment that left him in tears. He retired from county cricket umpiring in 1998 but remained a celebrated figure in the sport. Bird was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and later an OBE in 2012 for his services to cricket and charity. A statue of him, finger raised in his trademark style, stands in Barnsley, close to his birthplace. He also served as president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 2014.
Poll
What is your favorite memory of Dickie Bird as an umpire?
He was admired for his fairness and his ability to connect with players and crowds across eras of cricket. Bird is still the record-holder for most Test matches as an umpire at Lord’s.
