Dubai, Aug 10 (IBNS): Marais Erasmus of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires is officiating in his 50th Test as an on-field umpire during the second Test between England and India at Lord’s.
• Marais Erasmus: “This is a very big moment in my career as an umpire since I’m only the 17th person to reach this milestone in the history of Test cricket”
The 54-year-old from South Africa, a two-time recipient of the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year (in 2016 and 2017), is the 17th umpire to reach the half-century mark in Tests.
Erasmus was an all-rounder who scored 1913 runs and grabbed 131 wickets in 53 first-class matches before he took to umpiring.
Marais Erasmus: “This is a very big moment in my career as an umpire since I’m only the 17th person to reach this milestone in the history of Test cricket.
“I still remember my days as a first-class cricketer representing Boland and how I took to umpiring, which on hindsight was a very good decision.
“The long journey, which has been enjoyed thoroughly, would not have been possible but for the support of my family. I’m very indebted to my family, especially my wife Adéle, for the support throughout my umpiring career.
“I’d also like to thank officials at the International Cricket Council and Cricket South Africa for their backing over the years.”
Adrian Griffith, ICC’s Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees: “Marais’s quality and consistency as an umpire has been acknowledged over the years and it is these attributes that have allowed him to reach this milestone.
“I congratulate Marais on behalf of everyone at the ICC and wish him all the best for the future. We hope he continues to do well in the coming years and across all formats.”
Marais Erasmus’s international umpiring career at a glance:
• Stood in his first Test in January 2010 between Bangladesh and India at Chittagong
• Won the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016 and 2017
• Stood in his 100th first-class match in the England v West Indies Test at Lord’s in 2017
• Officiated in the ICC Cricket World Cups in 2011 and 2015
• TV Umpire for the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
• Officiated in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017
• The 17th man to umpire in 50 Tests
• The second South Africa umpire to stand in 50 Tests after Rudi Koertzen
Other umpires who have officiated in 50 or more Test matches:
Steve Bucknor – 128 Tests (1989-2000)
Aleem Dar – 120 Tests (2003-2018)
Rudi Koertzen – 108 Tests (1992-2010)
Daryl Harper – 95 Tests (1998-2011)
David Shepherd – 92 Tests (1985-2005)
Billy Bowden – 84 Tests (2000-2015)
Darrell Hair – 78 Tests (1992-2008)
Simon Taufel – 74 Tests (2000-2012)
S. Venkatraghavan – 73 Tests (1993-2004)
Ian Gould – 67 Tests (2008-2018)
Dickie Bird – 66 Tests (1973-1996)
Rod Tucker – 63 Tests (2010-2018)
Steve Davis – 57 Tests (1997-2015)
Kumar Dharmasena – 53 Tests (2010-2018)
Richard Kettleborough – 53 Tests (2010-2018)
Nigel Llong – 53 Tests (2008-2018)
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