Umpiring icon Billy Bowden is set to record history as he will become the first Kiwi umpire to stand in 200 first-class matches come this weekend. Bowden is set to reach the milestone during the Plunket Shield match between Auckland and Northern Districts on Saturday. Bowden had made his debut in the first-class match in a Shell Trophy match between the same two teams back in 1999 at Eden Park. (More Cricket News)
Bowden was known for his eccentric energy on the field whilst umpiring and has stamped his name in the cricketing folklore as one of the most recognisable names in world cricket.
Bowden made his international umpiring debut in an ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Seddon Park in 1995 whereas his Test umpiring debut came at Eden Park in 2000 in the first Test between New Zealand and Australia.
Bowden would go on to stand in 85 Test matches, 221 ODIs and 48 T20Is (men’s and women’s).
His also stood in four ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups and was also part of the famous 2005 Ashes series in England. Moreover, Bowden has also stood in New Zealand's domestic games that included 377 List-A matches and 209 T20s.
“To be involved in 200 first-class games is pretty special,” he said.
“When I started out I just wanted to challenge myself and be the best umpire every day and enjoy the journey.
“Being a former player myself I just wanted to embrace the cricket, try and make a difference and enjoy being involved in what is the best game in the world.
“There’s been many highlights, the 2005 Ashes series being one that really stands out.
“But covering the domestic finals here in New Zealand, the 50-over finals and the Super Smash and being able to contribute to cricket in New Zealand is really a privilege.
Bowden also admitted that umpiring has changed a lot over his 32-year career so far.
“A lot has changed, not the least the clothing!
“But the challenges remain the same, it’s still bat and ball, you still take one ball at a time and you give it how you see it.
“Technology has moved quickly over the years and has brought its own challenges to umpiring, but that is the beauty of the sport, embracing the challenge and improving every day and trying to get better, not bitter!”
