All-time top 5 cricket umpires

Umpiring ina cricket match is one of the toughest jobs in sports. One bad decision can change a game on its head and create a number of controversies. These peoplehave to withstand diverse climates ranging from thescorching sun in the Indian subcontinent to the freezing cold Europe climate. Each and every decision would be instantly scrutinized by the commentator, the TVaudience and every other Tom, Dick and Harry. One bad decision against a popular player like Sachin Tendulkar would cause severe repercussions.World cricket has seen some verytalented umpires. Here we look at some of the best ones. Dont agree with me? Sound out in the comments below.

#5 Billy Bowden

Brent Fraser Bowden: Although fifth in the list, he is arguably one of the most popular umpires ever with his dramatic and bizarre umpiring signals. He has his own dance jigs to show a six/four and a popular crooked finger of doom to adjudge a batsman out.

Bowden was included in the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in 2003 and has umpired in 75 Tests, 181 One Day Internationals and 19 Twenty20 internationals.

#4 Rudi Koertzen

Rudi Koertzen started officiating in 1997 and has officiated a total of 108 Tests and 209 ODIs. He holds the world record for umpiring highest number of ODIs.

His professionalism has seen him through some controversial moments, especially in relation to being approached by people wishing to fix the results of matches in 1999. Cricket enthusiasts will always remember him for his ‘slow death’ motion of raising the finger to adjudge the batsman out.

#3 David Shepherd

The late David Shepherd is one of the most popular umpires in the game. He started umpiring in 1981, and, within two years, he was in the umpiring panel for the 1983 World Cup. He umpired in 92 Tests and 172 ODIs, which included three world cup finals from 1996-2003. He was known for his ‘Nelson’, a quirk where he stands on one leg when the score reaches 111 or its multiples, which are numbers regarded to be unlucky for the batsmen.

His fellow umpire Simon Taufel said of him, as quoted in his Wisden obituary: "What doesn't get highlighted is man-management skills, creating a happy environment for players to play in. And Shep was magnificent at that. The players had this enormous respect for him as a person. He put them at their ease and forged relationships that crossed all cultural and political divides."

In that obituary, the obituarist himself wrote: "The authorities struggle for a definition of the Spirit of Cricket. Perhaps the best answer is David Shepherd.”

#2 Simon Taufel

Making his umpiring debut in 1999, he went on to become one of the most consistent umpires ever as he bagged five consecutive ICC umpire of the year awards between 2004 and 2008.

On 26 September 2012, he announced his retirement from international cricket, after the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 final. Later, he took over a newly created role of Umpire Performance and Training manager, to oversee the performance of the international umpires.

Taufel umpired in 74 Tests, 174 ODIs and 34 T20s. He narrowly edges out David Shepherd to second spot due to his brilliant consistency.

#1 Dickie Bird

Nicknamed Dickie during his school days, Harold Dennis Bird went onto become one of the best umpires in the world during the time period from 1970 to 1996. He had an infectious humour, which he put to perfect use during tense times in his umpiring career. This has earned him respect from many a hot-headed player during the time. He has officiated in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs, which includes 3 world cup finals (1979-83).

In his last Test match, he was given a guard of honour by the Australian and Indian players, in 1996. He is undoubtedly one of the best umpires the world has ever seen and comes first in this list, as well.