David Shepherd at Worksop
by Paul Barker, 1st March 2007

One of the best-known umpires Test Cricket has ever known, David Robert Shepherd M.B.E., will be giving a talk at the monthly meeting of the Bassetlaw and District’s Umpires Association this Saturday 3rd March. The meeting is an open one and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.

David Shepherd played for Gloucestershire between 1965 and 1979 scoring 108 runs on his debut and was renowned for his shot placement throughout his career as a player.

It was as an Umpire that he really did become a household name and without question he became a World famous personality. He was recognised as being one of the fairest-minded officials on the World stage, and within two years of becoming a first-class umpire he was officiating at the 1983 World Cup. In 1985 he was standing in Test matches making his debut in the fourth test between England and Australia at Old Trafford, his partner being none other than ‘Dickie’ Bird.

He went on to officiate in 92 test matches and take charge in three World Cup Finals. Probably his most famous ‘quirk’ was his habit of lifting one foot off the ground whenever the score reached 111 or multiples thereof. The number 111 is known as ‘Nelson’ and is considered unlucky by many cricketers.

He was part of the ICC’s first panel of neutral umpires when the policy was adopted in the 1990’s and retained his place until his retirement in 2005.

David Shepperd was lauded wherever he went and was given a guard of honour by the New Zealand and Australian teams during the series in 2005 and after his last test between the West Indies and Pakistan none other than Brian Lara presented him with a bat.

He was awarded the M.B.E. in 1985 and became President of his home county Devon in 2006.

As you can see from this small summary of his career he has packed an awful lot into it and his address to the people on Saturday which will take place at approximately 2.30 p.m. at Worksop Cricket Club on Central Avenue should prove to be very interesting indeed for all cricket lovers.