Dickie Bird’s international career spanned from 1973 to 1995 ©Getty
Michael Holding says bowlers often felt Bird was more of a batsman’s umpire, but he never had an issue with it as the official applied his standards consistently to both sides
Michael Holding, a legend from the era of the 70s and 80s, paid glowing tributes to Dickie Bird, widely regarded as one of the greatest umpires the game has ever seen. The Englishman passed away on Tuesday (September 23) at the age of 92. Bird was the most prominent umpire of the time that coincided with Holding’s playing days.
Holding (71) said the perception among bowlers about Bird, who officiated in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs, was that he was more of a batsman’s umpire than a bowler’s – perhaps because he believed in giving the benefit of the doubt to the batsmen.
“He was a great umpire who a lot of bowlers may say he was more for the batsmen than bowlers but that was because he followed the golden unwritten rule of the time that said ‘the benefit of the doubt goes to the batsman’,” one of the most feared fast bowlers from the West Indies nicknamed Whispering Death, told Cricbuzz. “I had no problem with that as he was solid with that for both sides.”
Bird’s international career spanned from 1973 to 1995, a period when there was no DRS for players to challenge umpires’ decisions. “He was well respected by all in the game and in return he respected those who played and never tried to be bossy like some others. He was a good man who was loved by most and he knew it was important,” Holding, who was part of West Indies cricket folklore, remarked. He played 60 Tests and 102 ODIs between 1975 and 1987.
Holding said he had a great rapport with Bird, the Yorkshireman, and often spent time with him during his commentary days in England. “I had a great relationship with Dickie and we had our little chats every now and again out on the field before the start of play up at Leeds when I was there for SKY (Sports channel). “He was a great character who added something to every game he participated in and may he now rest in peace.”
Holding was the final batsman to be out in the 1983 World Cup final, a result that changed the axis of world cricket. He was given out LBW off Mohinder Amarnath by Bird, who raised his finger instantly to India’s appeal. Asked about the moment, Holding said he doesn’t remember it but felt it must have been the correct call. “I didn’t even remember that it was Dickie umpiring. I doubt very much he was wrong,” Holding commented.
© Cricbuzz
