Bermuda fireman to create umpiring history next week

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Dubai, May 9 (UNI) Roger Dill is all set to have his slice of umpiring history when the 48 year-old Bermuda fireman officiates in a one dayer during the upcoming tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Bermuda and Canada in Trinidad next week.

Dill will become the first member of the ICC's Associate and Affiliate umpires' panel to stand in a one-day international (ODI), along with Emirates Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel while former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd will act as match referee for the four matches starting on May 16.

''I'm pleased to be invited (to officiate) and also very excited,'' said Dill, who prepares to leave for the Caribbean.

''I didn't realise I will be the first person from the Associates and Affiliates to umpire a ODI but the chance to do that is a great vote of confidence in the new panel.'' ''It shows the ICC is now looking at all umpires, no matter where they come from, and no one is out of the circle,'' he said.

Dill's he has been umpiring for less than 10 years and he began by chance and not because of any ambition.

''I started in 1997 when I went to watch a friend playing and they were short of an umpire. I was told afterwards I didn't do too badly so I went to a few meetings to learn more, I found it fun and interesting and it went from there,'' he recalled.

Dill was a member of the first ICC Associate and Affiliate umpiring panel, created in April last year to give officials outside the Full Member countries the chance to progress to the highest level possible.

He has stood in ICC Intercontinental Cup, ICC Trophy and ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup matches and after impressing during those appointments has now gained further recognition.

Dill will have to take time off from his job as a sergeant in Bermuda's fire service but he views it as a worthwhile sacrifice.

''There have been a couple of instances where I have had to take some leave and my colleagues have also been willing to cover for me,'' he said.

Dill also believes that his job as a firefighter has helped him in his efforts as an umpire.

''They do have some similarities. They both involve being under pressure and everyone around you expects you to be calm and in control,'' he explained.

UNI XC AY RN1104

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