Legendary Cricket umpire, Dickie Bird, dies at 92

Dickie Bird, one of cricket’s most recognised umpires, has died at the age of 92.

Bird, born Harold Bird in Barnsley, started his cricket career as a player with Yorkshire and later Leicestershire.

He scored two centuries in 93 first-class matches, averaging 20.71, before injury ended his time as a professional batter.

After moving into umpiring, Bird became a familiar figure on the international stage. Between 1973 and 1996, he stood in 66 Test matches and 76 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.

At one time, his total of 66 Tests was the highest by any umpire. His style and presence on the field made him one of the most respected officials of his era.

Yorkshire, where Bird later served as president, said he was a “national treasure” and praised his “sportsmanship, humility and joy”. The club confirmed he died peacefully at home.

The England and Wales Cricket Board also paid tribute, saying: “A proud Yorkshireman and a much-loved umpire, he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Dickie.”

Bird’s time as an umpire included several unusual incidents. At Lord’s, he once took players off the field when sunlight reflected into a batter’s eyes. He also sat on the covers during a bomb scare, and officiated during a burst water pipe at Headingley.

Before his final Test in 1996 at Lord’s between England and India, Bird was given a guard of honour by both teams. He later stood in his last professional match in 1998 at Headingley in a county game between Yorkshire and Warwickshire.

He was also involved in charity matches and often recalled meeting Queen Elizabeth II, whom he said he met 29 times. In 2000, he was awarded the Freedom of Barnsley, where a statue in his honour stands in the town centre.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who played club cricket with Bird, said he was “loved by so many and became a legend.” BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew added: “All the players loved him. He was massively respected.”

Bird never married and dedicated his life to cricket. He was a regular visitor at Headingley even after his retirement and remained a popular figure in the game.

Yorkshire said: “He will be truly missed by all at the club, having spent an incredible amount of time in support of everyone here, and will be remembered as one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.”

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