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List of Test cricket umpires
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This is a list of cricket umpires who have officiated at least one men's Test match. As of July 1 2025, 502 umpires have officiated in a Test match.[1]NB Current members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, appointed by the International Cricket Council to officiate in Test matches and One Day Internationals, are shown in bold.[2] Current members of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires, who may also be called upon to officiate in Test matches in busy cricketing years, are marked with a dagger (†).
In December 2019, in the first match between Australia and New Zealand, Aleem Dar stood in his 129th Test match, breaking the record previously set by Steve Bucknor.[3]
List of umpires
[edit]- As of 1 July 2025
| Umpire | Country | Tests | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellis Achong | West Indies | 1 | 1954 | 1954 |
| Harry Adams | South Africa | 2 | 1921 | 1928 |
| Akhtar Hussain | Pakistan | 3 | 1959 | 1969 |
| Javed Akhtar | Pakistan | 18 | 1980 | 1998 |
| A. F. M. Akhtaruddin | Bangladesh | 2 | 2001 | 2002 |
| Brian Aldridge | New Zealand | 26 | 1986 | 1995 |
| Bill Alley | England | 10 | 1974 | 1981 |
| George Allsop | South Africa | 1 | 1896 | 1896 |
| Amanullah Khan | Pakistan | 13 | 1975 | 1987 |
| Amiesh Saheba | India | 3 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Ignatius Anandappa | Sri Lanka | 3 | 1992 | 1993 |
| William Anderson | South Africa | 2 | 1961 | 1961 |
| Basil Anthony | Sri Lanka | 1 | 1983 | 1983 |
| David Archer | West Indies | 28 | 1981 | 1992 |
| Philip Argall | Australia | 7 | 1902 | 1908 |
| Henry Armstrong | Australia | 1 | 1931 | 1931 |
| Bill Ashdown | England | 3 | 1949 | 1950 |
| Richard Ashman | South Africa | 14 | 1935 | 1950 |
| Alfred Atfield | England | 8 | 1910 | 1914 |
| Athar Zaidi | Pakistan | 8 | 1990 | 2002 |
| George Ayling | India | 1 | 1956 | 1956 |
| Jack Badley | West Indies | 1 | 1930 | 1930 |
| Robin Bailhache | Australia | 27 | 1974 | 1988 |
| Charles Bain | West Indies | 1 | 1965 | 1965 |
| Herbert Baldwin | England | 9 | 1946 | 1953 |
| Sunil Banerjee | India | 1 | 1964 | 1964 |
| Charles Bannerman | Australia | 12 | 1887 | 1902 |
| Shyam Bansal | India | 6 | 1993 | 2001 |
| Kevan Barbour | Zimbabwe | 4 | 1999 | 2001 |
| Lloyd Barker | West Indies | 29 | 1984 | 1997 |
| Andrew Barlow | Australia | 11 | 1931 | 1951 |
| Dick Barlow | England | 1 | 1899 | 1899 |
| Thomas Bartley | England | 6 | 1954 | 1956 |
| Leslie Baxter | South Africa | 4 | 1964 | 1966 |
| George Beet snr. | England | 1 | 1946 | 1946 |
| Mark Benson | England | 27 | 2004 | 2009 |
| Billy Bestwick | England | 3 | 1929 | 1930 |
| Gordon Beves | South Africa | 1 | 1896 | 1896 |
| S. K. Bhattacharya | India | 2 | 1964 | 1969 |
| Dickie Bird | England | 66 | 1973 | 1996 |
| Jack Birkenshaw | England | 2 | 1986 | 1988 |
| Alfred Birkett | South Africa | 2 | 1957 | 1958 |
| J. G. Blackman | West Indies | 1 | 1935 | 1935 |
| George Borwick | Australia | 24 | 1931 | 1948 |
| Sukha Bose | India | 1 | 1983 | 1983 |
| Billy Bowden | New Zealand | 84 | 2000 | 2015 |
| Len Braund | England | 3 | 1926 | 1929 |
| Gregory Brathwaite † | West Indies | 8 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Bruce Bricknell | New Zealand | 1 | 1982 | 1982 |
| Edward Brook | New Zealand | 1 | 1951 | 1951 |
| Tom Brooks | Australia | 23 | 1970 | 1978 |
| Chris Brown † | New Zealand | 9 | 2020 | 2024 |
| John Brown | New Zealand | 2 | 1963 | 1964 |
| Steve Bucknor | West Indies | 128 | 1989 | 2009 |
| Lloyd Budd | England | 4 | 1976 | 1978 |
| Syd Buller | England | 33 | 1956 | 1969 |
| Tom Burgess | New Zealand | 1 | 1933 | 1933 |
| Perry Burke | West Indies | 6 | 1954 | 1960 |
| Sam Burke | West Indies | 3 | 1935 | 1953 |
| Donald Burns | New Zealand | 1 | 1964 | 1964 |
| Robert Burrows | England | 1 | 1926 | 1926 |
| William Butler | New Zealand | 2 | 1930 | 1932 |
| Harry Butt | England | 6 | 1921 | 1926 |
| Dooland Buultjens | Sri Lanka | 3 | 1984 | 1986 |
| Richard Callaway | Australia | 3 | 1901 | 1902 |
| John Carlin | England | 4 | 1905 | 1909 |
| Robert Carpenter | England | 2 | 1886 | 1888 |
| H. B. Cassie | New Zealand | 1 | 1964 | 1964 |
| K. H. Cave | New Zealand | 6 | 1930 | 1933 |
| Iknow Chabi † | Zimbabwe | 1 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Anil Chaudhary | India | 4 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Arthur Chester | England | 1 | 1896 | 1896 |
| Frank Chester | England | 48 | 1924 | 1955 |
| Harry Chidgey | England | 1 | 1926 | 1926 |
| Habib Choudhury | India | 4 | 1960 | 1964 |
| Leslie Clark | New Zealand | 2 | 1956 | 1956 |
| C. Clements | England | 1 | 1893 | 1893 |
| P. Coady | Australia | 1 | 1879 | 1879 |
| Thomas Cobcroft | Australia | 3 | 1930 | 1930 |
| Arthur Cocks | Australia | 1 | 1951 | 1951 |
| C. M. P. Coetzee | South Africa | 3 | 1970 | 1970 |
| Reggie Cole | West Indies | 1 | 1962 | 1962 |
| Tom Cole | Australia | 1 | 1884 | 1884 |
| Alfred Coleman | England | 2 | 1947 | 1947 |
| J. C. Collings | South Africa | 9 | 1931 | 1936 |
| Dal Collins | South Africa | 10 | 1949 | 1962 |
| Jack Collins | Australia | 5 | 1973 | 1975 |
| Stanley Collins | South Africa | 1 | 1954 | 1954 |
| David Constant | England | 36 | 1971 | 1988 |
| Ernest Cooke | England | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| George Cooper | Australia | 2 | 1948 | 1950 |
| B. C. Cooray | Sri Lanka | 21 | 1992 | 2001 |
| Cyril Coote | South Africa | 1 | 1953 | 1953 |
| William Copeland | Australia | 1 | 1980 | 1980 |
| D. E. A. Copps | New Zealand | 13 | 1965 | 1977 |
| Sam Cosstick | Australia | 1 | 1877 | 1877 |
| V. J. Costello | South Africa | 6 | 1957 | 1965 |
| George Coulthard | Australia | 2 | 1879 | 1882 |
| Doug Cowie | New Zealand | 22 | 1995 | 2002 |
| Jack Cowie | New Zealand | 3 | 1956 | 1959 |
| Tony Crafter | Australia | 33 | 1979 | 1992 |
| Jack Crapp | England | 4 | 1964 | 1965 |
| William Creese | South Africa | 1 | 1902 | 1902 |
| Bob Crockett | Australia | 32 | 1901 | 1925 |
| Peter Cronin | Australia | 1 | 1980 | 1980 |
| Clyde Cumberbatch | West Indies | 12 | 1981 | 1995 |
| William Curran | Australia | 2 | 1910 | 1911 |
| R. G. Currie | New Zealand | 2 | 1953 | 1955 |
| Aleem Dar † | Pakistan | 145 | 2003 | 2023 |
| J. Da Silva | West Indies | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| Daud Khan | Pakistan | 14 | 1955 | 1973 |
| Dai Davies | England | 22 | 1947 | 1958 |
| Emrys Davies | England | 9 | 1956 | 1959 |
| Owen Davies | West Indies | 3 | 1962 | 1965 |
| Steve Davis | Australia | 57 | 1997 | 2015 |
| Asoka de Silva | Sri Lanka | 49 | 2000 | 2011 |
| C. R. Deare | South Africa | 1 | 1889 | 1889 |
| Charles Dench | England | 1 | 1909 | 1909 |
| Dinkar Desai | India | 3 | 1955 | 1956 |
| Kumar Dharmasena | Sri Lanka | 91 | 2010 | 2025 |
| Wilf Diedricks | South Africa | 1 | 1992 | 1992 |
| Billy Doctrove | West Indies | 38 | 2000 | 2012 |
| Arthur Dolphin | England | 6 | 1933 | 1937 |
| Dara Dotiwalla | India | 6 | 1982 | 1987 |
| George Downs | Australia | 1 | 1892 | 1892 |
| Henry Draper | England | 1 | 1893 | 1893 |
| James Draper | South Africa | 5 | 1964 | 1970 |
| D. T. Drew | South Africa | 3 | 1950 | 1954 |
| Barry Dudleston | England | 2 | 1991 | 1992 |
| Nigel Duguid | West Indies | 1 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Douglas Dumbleton | New Zealand | 2 | 1963 | 1964 |
| Clyde Duncan | West Indies | 2 | 1991 | 1994 |
| Steve Dunne | New Zealand | 39 | 1989 | 2002 |
| Colin Egar | Australia | 29 | 1960 | 1969 |
| Dave Elder | Australia | 12 | 1911 | 1929 |
| Charlie Elliott | England | 42 | 1957 | 1974 |
| Ted Elliott | Australia | 7 | 1882 | 1885 |
| Harry Elliott | England | 7 | 1950 | 1953 |
| Herbert Elphinstone | Australia | 10 | 1948 | 1953 |
| Peter Enright | Australia | 3 | 1972 | 1974 |
| Marais Erasmus | South Africa | 82 | 2010 | 2024 |
| David Evans | England | 9 | 1981 | 1985 |
| Ric Evans | Australia | 3 | 1989 | 1990 |
| Tom Ewart | West Indies | 7 | 1948 | 1958 |
| Arthur Fagg | England | 18 | 1967 | 1975 |
| Frank Farrands | England | 7 | 1884 | 1888 |
| Desmond Fell | South Africa | 1 | 1961 | 1961 |
| Alane Felsinger | Sri Lanka | 1 | 1986 | 1986 |
| Herbi Felsinger | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1982 | 1986 |
| Feroze Butt | Pakistan | 1 | 1990 | 1990 |
| Isaac Fisher | Australia | 1 | 1884 | 1884 |
| Tom Flynn | Australia | 4 | 1892 | 1895 |
| John Forrester | New Zealand | 2 | 1932 | 1933 |
| Campbell Foster | West Indies | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| K. T. Francis | Sri Lanka | 25 | 1982 | 1999 |
| Dick French | Australia | 19 | 1977 | 1987 |
| Walter French | Australia | 2 | 1931 | 1931 |
| Simon Fry | Australia | 7 | 2015 | 2017 |
| Chris Gaffaney | New Zealand | 63 | 2014 | 2025 |
| Bhairab Ganguli | India | 5 | 1982 | 1985 |
| Santosh Ganguli | India | 10 | 1956 | 1965 |
| W. R. C. Gardiner | New Zealand | 9 | 1974 | 1980 |
| Clement Garing | Australia | 1 | 1925 | 1925 |
| Johnny Gayle | West Indies | 3 | 1972 | 1986 |
| Nadeem Ghauri | Pakistan | 5 | 2005 | 2006 |
| Jiban Ghosh | India | 4 | 1979 | 1986 |
| Sunit Ghosh | India | 2 | 1988 | 1988 |
| Douglas Gibbon | South Africa | 1 | 1962 | 1962 |
| Wing Gillette | West Indies | 5 | 1948 | 1958 |
| Gunther Goldman | South Africa | 2 | 1966 | 1970 |
| Gerry Gomez | West Indies | 1 | 1965 | 1965 |
| Fred Goodall | New Zealand | 24 | 1965 | 1988 |
| Nelson Gooneratne | Sri Lanka | 1 | 1985 | 1985 |
| Quintin Goosen | Zimbabwe | 1 | 1995 | 1995 |
| I. Gopalakrishnan | India | 7 | 1961 | 1969 |
| Ralph Gosein | West Indies | 25 | 1965 | 1978 |
| Madhav Gothoskar | India | 14 | 1973 | 1983 |
| Ian Gould | England | 74 | 2008 | 2019 |
| Michael Gough | England | 42 | 2016 | 2025 |
| Harry Gourlay | New Zealand | 1 | 1946 | 1946 |
| Lindsay Grant | West Indies | 1 | 1930 | 1930 |
| Laurie Gray | England | 2 | 1955 | 1963 |
| Luke Greenwood | England | 1 | 1882 | 1882 |
| Frank Grey | South Africa | 10 | 1910 | 1922 |
| Victor Guillen | West Indies | 2 | 1935 | 1948 |
| Ram Babu Gupta | India | 11 | 1986 | 1988 |
| Mahendra Gupte | India | 1 | 1985 | 1985 |
| W. J. C. Gwynne | New Zealand | 3 | 1956 | 1966 |
| Darrell Hair | Australia | 78 | 1992 | 2008 |
| John Hampshire | England | 21 | 1989 | 2002 |
| William Hannah | Australia | 4 | 1907 | 1911 |
| S. N. Hanumantha Rao | India | 9 | 1978 | 1983 |
| Enamul Haque | Bangladesh | 1 | 2012 | 2012 |
| Joe Hardstaff Sr. | England | 21 | 1928 | 1935 |
| Krishna Hariharan | India | 2 | 2005 | 2006 |
| Daryl Harper | Australia | 95 | 1998 | 2011 |
| Clyde Harris | New Zealand | 4 | 1952 | 1956 |
| S. L. Harris | South Africa | 4 | 1910 | 1923 |
| J. V. Hart-Davis | South Africa | 4 | 1948 | 1950 |
| Mick Harvey | Australia | 2 | 1979 | 1980 |
| John Hastie | New Zealand | 7 | 1974 | 1981 |
| William Hearn | England | 4 | 1893 | 1902 |
| Frank Hearne | South Africa | 6 | 1899 | 1906 |
| George Hele | Australia | 16 | 1928 | 1933 |
| B. Henderson | West Indies | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| John Hickson | England | 1 | 1889 | 1889 |
| Arthur Hide | England | 1 | 1899 | 1889 |
| John Higgins | England | 1 | 1934 | 1934 |
| Ian Higginson | New Zealand | 1 | 1983 | 1983 |
| Allen Hill | England | 1 | 1890 | 1890 |
| Tony Hill | New Zealand | 40 | 2001 | 2013 |
| R. D. R. Hill | West Indies | 1 | 1930 | 1930 |
| Joe Hills | England | 1 | 1947 | 1947 |
| Bill Hitch | England | 4 | 1933 | 1935 |
| George Hodges | Australia | 1 | 1885 | 1885 |
| John Holder | England | 11 | 1988 | 2001 |
| Adrian Holdstock | South Africa | 16 | 2020 | 2025 |
| Ian Howell | South Africa | 9 | 2001 | 2007 |
| Col Hoy | Australia | 9 | 1954 | 1961 |
| Idrees Baig | Pakistan | 9 | 1955 | 1969 |
| Ikram Rabbani | Pakistan | 1 | 1991 | 1991 |
| Richard Illingworth | England | 78 | 2012 | 2025 |
| Ray Isherwood | Australia | 3 | 1984 | 1985 |
| Stuart Ishmael | West Indies | 2 | 1971 | 1974 |
| Bertice Jacelon | West Indies | 2 | 1962 | 1962 |
| Arani Jayaprakash | India | 13 | 1997 | 2002 |
| Albert Jelley | New Zealand | 1 | 1956 | 1956 |
| Arthur Jenkins | Australia | 1 | 1930 | 1930 |
| Arthur Jepson | England | 4 | 1966 | 1969 |
| Brian Jerling | South Africa | 4 | 2006 | 2006 |
| C. John | West Indies | 2 | 1953 | 1953 |
| Mel Johnson | Australia | 21 | 1980 | 1987 |
| L. C. Johnston | New Zealand | 1 | 1963 | 1963 |
| Alfred Jones | Australia | 7 | 1903 | 1929 |
| Cortez Jordan | West Indies | 22 | 1953 | 1974 |
| Bapu Joshi | India | 12 | 1948 | 1965 |
| Kantilal Kanjee | Zimbabwe | 4 | 1992 | 1994 |
| Khalid Aziz | Pakistan | 3 | 1978 | 1992 |
| Khizer Hayat | Pakistan | 34 | 1980 | 1996 |
| Richard Kettleborough | England | 92 | 2010 | 2025 |
| Hayward Kidson | South Africa | 11 | 1961 | 1967 |
| Albert King | South Africa | 3 | 1931 | 1931 |
| Christopher King | New Zealand | 3 | 1993 | 1997 |
| Len King | Australia | 6 | 1989 | 1993 |
| David Kinsella | New Zealand | 3 | 1981 | 1983 |
| Cecil Kippins | West Indies | 10 | 1958 | 1973 |
| Swaroop Kishen | India | 17 | 1978 | 1984 |
| Mervyn Kitchen | England | 20 | 1990 | 2000 |
| Enos Knibbs | West Indies | 2 | 1930 | 1935 |
| Wayne Knights† | New Zealand | 4 | 2020 | 2022 |
| Rudi Koertzen | South Africa | 108 | 1992 | 2010 |
| Sudhakar Kulkarni | India | 1 | 1990 | 1990 |
| S. V. Kumaraswamy | India | 1 | 1961 | 1961 |
| James Laing | Australia | 1 | 1908 | 1908 |
| Barry Lambson | South Africa | 5 | 1992 | 1995 |
| John Langridge | England | 7 | 1960 | 1963 |
| Arthur Laver | South Africa | 10 | 1921 | 1928 |
| Joseph Leaney | England | 1 | 1892 | 1892 |
| Reg Ledwidge | Australia | 3 | 1975 | 1977 |
| Frank Lee | England | 29 | 1949 | 1962 |
| Eric Lee Kow | West Indies | 9 | 1953 | 1960 |
| Karl Liebenberg | South Africa | 9 | 1992 | 1995 |
| James Lillywhite (jnr) | England | 6 | 1882 | 1899 |
| Nigel Llong | England | 62 | 2008 | 2020 |
| Sandy Lloyd | West Indies | 3 | 1958 | 1960 |
| Jeremy Lloyds | England | 5 | 2004 | 2005 |
| E. C. A. MacKintosh | New Zealand | 8 | 1964 | 1973 |
| Alan Mackley | Australia | 1 | 1963 | 1963 |
| Jayaraman Madanagopal† | India | 1 | 2025 | 2025 |
| Mahboob Shah | Pakistan | 28 | 1975 | 1997 |
| Mahbubur Rahman | Bangladesh | 1 | 2002 | 2002 |
| B. V. Malan | South Africa | 6 | 1950 | 1957 |
| Wesley Malcolm | West Indies | 2 | 1978 | 1983 |
| Neil Mallender | England | 3 | 2003 | 2004 |
| A. M. Mamsa | India | 6 | 1964 | 1973 |
| Peter Manuel | Sri Lanka | 11 | 1993 | 2001 |
| Wilhelm Marais | South Africa | 5 | 1956 | 1958 |
| Bruce Martin | Australia | 1 | 1985 | 1985 |
| Trevor Martin | New Zealand | 15 | 1963 | 1973 |
| Ranmore Martinesz | Sri Lanka | 8 | 2013 | 2016 |
| Masood Salahuddin | Pakistan | 1 | 1955 | 1955 |
| Okey McCabe | South Africa | 1 | 1953 | 1953 |
| Peter McConnell | Australia | 22 | 1983 | 1992 |
| Rodger McHarg | New Zealand | 3 | 1986 | 1991 |
| Mel McInnes | Australia | 16 | 1951 | 1959 |
| J. McLellan | New Zealand | 3 | 1951 | 1955 |
| James McMenamin | South Africa | 4 | 1956 | 1958 |
| Tony McQuillan | Australia | 1 | 1993 | 1993 |
| Patrick McShane | Australia | 1 | 1885 | 1885 |
| Rajan Mehra | India | 2 | 1986 | 1987 |
| Nitin Menon | India | 31 | 2019 | 2025 |
| Badge Menzies | West Indies | 1 | 1954 | 1954 |
| Barrie Meyer | England | 26 | 1978 | 1993 |
| Mohammad Aslam | Pakistan | 8 | 1984 | 2001 |
| Audley Miller | England | 2 | 1896 | 1896 |
| Arthur Millward | England | 2 | 1907 | 1921 |
| Cyril Mitchley | South Africa | 26 | 1992 | 2000 |
| Mohammad Aslam | Pakistan | 3 | 1973 | 1977 |
| Mohammad Ghouse | India | 8 | 1976 | 1979 |
| Mohammad Gulzar Mir | Pakistan | 1 | 1969 | 1969 |
| Mohammad Nazir | Pakistan | 4 | 1997 | 2000 |
| Mohammad Yunus | India | 5 | 1958 | 1965 |
| Sadique Mohammed | West Indies | 3 | 1981 | 1986 |
| Balkrishna Mohoni | India | 11 | 1948 | 1956 |
| Robert Monteith | New Zealand | 6 | 1974 | 1979 |
| O. R. Montgomery | New Zealand | 1 | 1947 | 1947 |
| George Morris | New Zealand | 4 | 1985 | 1987 |
| Arthur Morton | England | 1 | 1928 | 1928 |
| John Moss | England | 11 | 1902 | 1921 |
| Munawar Hussain | Pakistan | 5 | 1959 | 1969 |
| Murawwat Hussain | Pakistan | 1 | 1959 | 1959 |
| Thomas Mycroft | England | 2 | 1899 | 1902 |
| Noshirvan Nagarwala | India | 5 | 1952 | 1960 |
| M. V. Nagendra | India | 11 | 1964 | 1977 |
| M. M. Naidu | India | 1 | 1951 | 1951 |
| Dattatraya Naik | India | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| A. L. Narasimhan | India | 1 | 1994 | 1994 |
| David Narine | West Indies | 3 | 1983 | 1985 |
| Eddie Nicholls | West Indies | 17 | 1997 | 2001 |
| Max O'Connell | Australia | 19 | 1971 | 1980 |
| Thomas Oates | England | 5 | 1928 | 1930 |
| Buddy Oldfield | England | 2 | 1960 | 1962 |
| Dave Orchard | South Africa | 44 | 1995 | 2004 |
| James Orr | Australia | 1 | 1931 | 1931 |
| Don Oslear | England | 5 | 1980 | 1984 |
| Bruce Oxenford | Australia | 62 | 2010 | 2021 |
| E. S. Page | South Africa | 1 | 1928 | 1928 |
| W. P. Page | New Zealand | 1 | 1932 | 1932 |
| Ahmed Shah Pakteen† | Afghanistan | 2 | 2021 | 2021 |
| Allahudien Paleker | South Africa | 6 | 2022 | 2025 |
| Ruchira Palliyaguruge† | Sri Lanka | 9 | 2018 | 2021 |
| Ken Palmer | England | 22 | 1978 | 1994 |
| Roy Palmer | England | 2 | 1992 | 1993 |
| Sambhu Pan | India | 9 | 1961 | 1969 |
| Peter Parker | Australia | 10 | 1993 | 2008 |
| Frederick Parris | England | 1 | 1909 | 1909 |
| Stanton Parris | West Indies | 5 | 1974 | 1983 |
| George Parry | South Africa | 2 | 1962 | 1962 |
| W. R. Parry | England | 5 | 1928 | 1930 |
| K. Parthasarathy | India | 2 | 1994 | 1998 |
| Jamshed Patel | India | 9 | 1948 | 1958 |
| Frederick Payne | South Africa | 1 | 1954 | 1954 |
| John Payne | Australia | 1 | 1885 | 1885 |
| Cleophas Paynter | West Indies | 1 | 1977 | 1977 |
| Terry Pearce | New Zealand | 3 | 1952 | 1956 |
| M. F. Pengelly | New Zealand | 4 | 1946 | 1952 |
| Camillus Perera | Sri Lanka | 1 | 1986 | 1986 |
| Jim Phillips | Australia | 29 | 1885 | 1906 |
| William Phillips | England | 2 | 1921 | 1921 |
| Eddie Phillipson | England | 12 | 1958 | 1965 |
| Nigel Plews | England | 11 | 1988 | 1995 |
| Selliah Ponnadurai | Sri Lanka | 3 | 1985 | 1993 |
| Fred Price | England | 8 | 1964 | 1967 |
| Terry Prue | Australia | 9 | 1988 | 1994 |
| Charles Pullin | England | 10 | 1884 | 1893 |
| Ram Punjabi | India | 7 | 1979 | 1981 |
| Qamaruddin Butt | Pakistan | 1 | 1965 | 1965 |
| Dave Quested | New Zealand | 5 | 1995 | 2001 |
| Amjad Qureshi | Pakistan | 2 | 1959 | 1959 |
| S. K. Raghunatha Rao | India | 7 | 1961 | 1967 |
| V. Rajagopal | India | 1 | 1969 | 1969 |
| T. A. Ramachandran | India | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| Kasturi Ramaswami | India | 8 | 1976 | 1983 |
| VK Ramaswamy | India | 26 | 1985 | 1999 |
| Prageeth Rambukwella† | Sri Lanka | 1 | 2025 | 2025 |
| S. R. Ramchandra Rao | India | 1 | 1987 | 1987 |
| Steve Randell | Australia | 36 | 1984 | 1998 |
| R. S. Rathore | India | 2 | 1990 | 1993 |
| Asad Rauf | Pakistan | 49 | 2005 | 2014 |
| Sundaram Ravi | India | 33 | 2013 | 2019 |
| Elisha Rawlinson | Australia | 1 | 1887 | 1887 |
| Ahsan Raza | Pakistan | 21 | 2021 | 2025 |
| Courtenay Reece | West Indies | 1 | 1935 | 1935 |
| Bill Reeves | England | 5 | 1924 | 1939 |
| Curtis Reid | Australia | 1 | 1877 | 1877 |
| John Reid | South Africa | 1 | 1923 | 1923 |
| Paul Reiffel | Australia | 74 | 2012 | 2025 |
| Piloo Reporter | India | 14 | 1984 | 1993 |
| Judah Reuben | India | 10 | 1969 | 1977 |
| Dusty Rhodes | England | 8 | 1963 | 1973 |
| Riazuddin | Pakistan | 12 | 1990 | 2002 |
| Joseph Richards | Australia | 1 | 1931 | 1931 |
| Walter Richards | England | 10 | 1899 | 1912 |
| Arthur Richardson | Australia | 2 | 1935 | 1935 |
| Charles Richardson | England | 2 | 1902 | 1902 |
| Jackie Roberts | West Indies | 2 | 1960 | 1962 |
| Emmott Robinson | England | 1 | 1938 | 1938 |
| Ian Robinson | Zimbabwe | 28 | 1992 | 2001 |
| Toby Rollox | West Indies | 1 | 1953 | 1953 |
| Walter Routledge | South Africa | 2 | 1935 | 1936 |
| Lou Rowan | Australia | 25 | 1963 | 1971 |
| Joseph Rowbotham | England | 1 | 1884 | 1884 |
| Samar Roy | India | 6 | 1961 | 1969 |
| Langton Rusere† | Zimbabwe | 8 | 2021 | 2024 |
| W. B. Ryan | South Africa | 2 | 1930 | 1931 |
| Khwaja Saeed | Pakistan | 5 | 1959 | 1961 |
| Said Shah | Pakistan | 1 | 1997 | 1997 |
| Saleem Badar | Pakistan | 5 | 1988 | 1998 |
| T. M. Samarasinghe | Sri Lanka | 7 | 1992 | 1993 |
| Narayan Sane | India | 2 | 1960 | 1960 |
| Douglas Sang Hue | West Indies | 31 | 1962 | 1981 |
| B. Satyaji Rao | India | 17 | 1961 | 1979 |
| C. Saunders | South Africa | 1 | 1928 | 1928 |
| John Scott | Australia | 10 | 1936 | 1947 |
| George Searcy | Australia | 1 | 1895 | 1895 |
| Sharfuddoula | Bangladesh | 16 | 2021 | 2025 |
| Shakeel Khan | Pakistan | 6 | 1983 | 2002 |
| Shakoor Rana | Pakistan | 18 | 1975 | 1996 |
| Har Sharma | India | 3 | 1974 | 1977 |
| Raman Sharma | India | 1 | 1994 | 1994 |
| Virender Sharma† | India | 4 | 2021 | 2022 |
| George Sharp | England | 15 | 1996 | 2002 |
| Suresh Shastri | India | 2 | 2007 | 2007 |
| Bill Sheahan | Australia | 2 | 1993 | 1994 |
| David Shepherd | England | 92 | 1985 | 2005 |
| Mordecai Sherwin | England | 1 | 1899 | 1899 |
| Dick Shortt | New Zealand | 9 | 1959 | 1973 |
| Showkatur Rahman | Bangladesh | 1 | 2001 | 2001 |
| Shujauddin | Pakistan | 22 | 1955 | 1978 |
| G. L. Sickler | South Africa | 7 | 1938 | 1948 |
| Gamini Silva | Sri Lanka | 3 | 2000 | 2005 |
| Prasad Sinha | India | 2 | 1948 | 1952 |
| M. S. Sivasankariah | India | 3 | 1975 | 1977 |
| Jack Smart | England | 4 | 1946 | 1947 |
| John Smeaton | Australia | 1 | 2001 | 2001 |
| Douglas Smith | England | 1 | 1914 | 1914 |
| Tiger Smith | England | 8 | 1933 | 1939 |
| Frank Smith | England | 5 | 1902 | 1910 |
| Bill Smyth | Australia | 4 | 1962 | 1966 |
| Alfred Soames | South Africa | 2 | 1899 | 1902 |
| Tom Spencer | England | 17 | 1954 | 1978 |
| H. H. Stephenson | England | 1 | 1880 | 1880 |
| Alfred Street | England | 7 | 1912 | 1926 |
| James Street | England | 1 | 1890 | 1890 |
| M. G. Subramaniam | India | 2 | 1983 | 1983 |
| John Swift | Australia | 8 | 1882 | 1887 |
| Tariq Ata | Pakistan | 1 | 1988 | 1988 |
| Shavir Tarapore | India | 4 | 2011 | 2011 |
| Frank Tarrant | Australia | 2 | 1933 | 1934 |
| Simon Taufel | Australia | 74 | 2000 | 2012 |
| Ben Terry | England | 2 | 1877 | 1877 |
| Charles Thomas | South Africa | 1 | 1892 | 1892 |
| George Thompson | England | 2 | 1923 | 1923 |
| Bob Thoms | England | 2 | 1880 | 1882 |
| Russell Tiffin | Zimbabwe | 44 | 1995 | 2009 |
| Col Timmins | Australia | 4 | 1989 | 1993 |
| Eric Tindill | New Zealand | 1 | 1959 | 1959 |
| Valentine Titchmarsh | England | 3 | 1899 | 1905 |
| S. B. Tomkinson | New Zealand | 2 | 1951 | 1955 |
| Jack Tooher | Australia | 1 | 1892 | 1892 |
| Richard Torrance | New Zealand | 1 | 1933 | 1933 |
| Les Townsend | Australia | 1 | 1959 | 1959 |
| Norman Townsend | Australia | 1 | 1972 | 1972 |
| G. B. Treadwell | South Africa | 4 | 1927 | 1930 |
| Rod Tucker | Australia | 94 | 2010 | 2025 |
| Umar Khan | Pakistan | 1 | 1969 | 1969 |
| Srinivas Venkataraghavan | India | 73 | 1993 | 2004 |
| Gustave Verheyen | South Africa | 1 | 1928 | 1928 |
| P. W. Vidanagamage | Sri Lanka | 4 | 1984 | 1987 |
| M. G. Vijayasarathi | India | 13 | 1951 | 1960 |
| V. Vikramraju | India | 2 | 1984 | 1986 |
| B. Vine | New Zealand | 1 | 1952 | 1952 |
| C. F. Vyfhuis | West Indies | 6 | 1974 | 1978 |
| Billy Wade | South Africa | 1 | 1970 | 1970 |
| Walker Wainwright | England | 1 | 1923 | 1923 |
| Harold Walcott | West Indies | 4 | 1948 | 1958 |
| Fanny Walden | England | 11 | 1934 | 1939 |
| Edward Ward | West Indies | 1 | 1935 | 1935 |
| Albert Warner | South Africa | 2 | 1970 | 1970 |
| John Warner | South Africa | 2 | 1962 | 1965 |
| Robert Warton | England | 2 | 1889 | 1889 |
| Evan Watkin | New Zealand | 3 | 1998 | 2009 |
| George Watson | Australia | 2 | 1911 | 1912 |
| George Webb | England | 3 | 1912 | 1912 |
| Andrew Weekes | West Indies | 4 | 1983 | 1990 |
| Don Weser | Australia | 3 | 1979 | 1980 |
| John West | England | 1 | 1886 | 1886 |
| John Edward West | England | 1 | 1905 | 1905 |
| William West | England | 9 | 1896 | 1912 |
| Alex Wharf | England | 9 | 2021 | 2025 |
| Archibald White | England | 8 | 1899 | 1912 |
| Alan Whitehead | England | 5 | 1982 | 1987 |
| Rex Whitehead | Australia | 4 | 1981 | 1982 |
| Bill Whitridge | Australia | 1 | 1892 | 1892 |
| Udaya Wickramasinghe | Sri Lanka | 3 | 1987 | 1997 |
| Tyron Wijewardene | Sri Lanka | 4 | 2001 | 2005 |
| Peter Willey | England | 25 | 1996 | 2003 |
| A. P. Williams | Australia | 1 | 1924 | 1924 |
| George Williams | West Indies | 1 | 1958 | 1958 |
| Joel Wilson | West Indies | 47 | 2015 | 2025 |
| Paul Wilson | Australia | 8 | 2019 | 2023 |
| Raveendra Wimalasiri† | Sri Lanka | 1 | 2023 | 2023 |
| K. Woods | West Indies | 1 | 1954 | 1954 |
| Steve Woodward | New Zealand | 24 | 1979 | 1991 |
| Claud Woolley | England | 1 | 1948 | 1948 |
| Ron Wright | Australia | 13 | 1948 | 1959 |
| Arthur Wyeth | Australia | 1 | 1931 | 1931 |
| Ted Wykes | Australia | 1 | 1962 | 1962 |
| Asif Yaqoob† | Pakistan | 1 | 2024 | 2024 |
| Hugo Yarnold | England | 3 | 1967 | 1968 |
| Sailor Young | England | 3 | 1924 | 1926 |
| W. A. Young | Australia | 1 | 1912 | 1912 |
In-game changes
[edit]The figures above include the following occasions when an on-field umpire was replaced during a Test, (apart from Amiesh Saheba replacing Billy Doctrove for the 2nd Test between India and Pakistan at Kolkata in 2007, and Rod Tucker replacing Aleem Dar for the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street in 2016).
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between Australia and New Zealand at Hobart in 2001–02. Steve Davis was injured and was replaced on field by John Smeaton during the third day.[4]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between South Africa and India at Durban in 2006–07. Mark Benson was ill and was replaced on field by Ian Howell during the third day.[5]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between India and Pakistan at Kolkata in 2007–08. Billy Doctrove was ill and was replaced on field by Amiesh Saheba during the fourth day.[6]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between New Zealand and India at Napier in 2008–09. Billy Doctrove was ill and was replaced on field by Evan Watkin on the third day.[7]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide in 2009–10. Mark Benson was ill and was replaced on field by Asad Rauf on the second day.[8]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between West Indies and New Zealand at Port of Spain in 2014. Rod Tucker was ill and was replaced on field by Richard Illingworth on the fourth day.[9]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street in 2016. Aleem Dar was ill and was replaced on field by Rod Tucker on the fourth day.[10]
- Three umpires were used for the 4th Test between India and England at Mumbai in 2016–17. Paul Reiffel was injured and was replaced on field by Marais Erasmus on the first day.[11]
- Three umpires were used for the 1st Test between India and Sri Lanka at Kolkata in 2017–18. Richard Kettleborough was ill and was replaced on field by Joel Wilson on the third day.[12]
- Three umpires were used for the 2nd Test between South Africa and Australia at Port Elizabeth in 2017–18. Chris Gaffaney was ill and was replaced on field by Sundaram Ravi on the second day.[13]
- Three umpires were used for 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, at Galle in 2025. Alex Wharf was ill and was replaced on-field by the reserve umpire Prageeth Rambukwella on the first day.[14]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Test Cricket Umpires". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
- ^ "Nitin Menon included in Elite panel of umpires for 2020-21". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- ^ "Aleem Dar set to break record for most Tests as umpire". International Cricket Council. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
- ^ "2nd Test, New Zealand tour of Australia at Hobart, Nov 22-26, 2001". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- ^ "2nd Test: South Africa v India at Durban, Dec 26-30, 2006". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "2nd Test: India v Pakistan at Kolkata, Nov 30-Dec 4, 2007". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "2nd Test: New Zealand v India at Napier, Mar 26-30, 2009". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "2nd Test, West Indies tour of Australia at Adelaide, Dec 4-8, 2009". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "2nd Test, New Zealand tour of West Indies at Port of Spain, Jun 16-20, 2014". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ "2nd Investec Test: England v Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street, May 27-30, 2016". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Reiffel sent to hospital after blow to head". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "India vs Sri Lanka 2017: Umpire Ketttleborough Misses Third Day's Play". News18. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "2nd Test, Australia tour of South Africa at Port Elizabeth, Mar 9-12, 2018". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
- ^ "Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test at Colombo, SL vs BAN, Jun 25 2025". ESPNCricinfo. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "1st Test, England tour of South Africa at Port Elizabeth, Feb 13-14, 1896". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
External links
[edit]List of Test cricket umpires
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Umpiring Overview
Role in Test Matches
In Test cricket, two on-field umpires are appointed to officiate the match, positioned one at the bowler's end and one at the striker's end, ensuring the game is conducted with absolute impartiality in accordance with the Laws of Cricket.[4][5] Their primary duties include adjudicating dismissals upon appeals from the fielding side, calling no-balls for illegal deliveries such as overstepping the crease or throwing actions, and signaling wides for balls passing beyond the striker's reasonable reach.[4][5] They also inspect playing equipment like bats and balls before the match, assess the pitch's fitness for play, and monitor player conduct to prevent unfair practices, such as time-wasting or dangerous bowling.[4][5] Umpires manage the overall game flow by calling "play" to commence overs and "time" to suspend play during intervals or adverse conditions, while ensuring a minimum over rate—typically 15 overs per hour in Tests—to maintain match progression.[4][5] Under Law 31 of the MCC Laws, they handle appeals by responding only after a fielder's verbal query like "How's that?", consulting each other if necessary before delivering a final decision, which cannot be altered once the next ball is bowled unless it contradicts specific laws.[4] This process underscores their role as the sole judges of fair and unfair play, with authority to penalize teams via five-run penalties for persistent infringements like deliberate delays.[4][5] To communicate decisions clearly to players, scorers, and broadcasters, umpires employ standardized hand signals, such as raising the index finger vertically for "out," extending one arm horizontally for a no-ball, or spreading both arms horizontally for a wide.[4] These signals, detailed in Appendix D of the MCC Laws, also cover boundaries (arm across the chest for four runs, both arms raised overhead for six) and dead ball (crossed wrists below the waist).[4] A third umpire, stationed off-field, supports the on-field pair in Test matches by reviewing video footage for close calls, such as run-outs or stumpings, and providing input to ensure accurate decisions without directly intervening in real-time play.[5] Appointed from the ICC's panels, this official also acts as an emergency replacement if an on-field umpire is incapacitated.[5] The standardization of umpire signaling gained prominence following the MCC's 2000 Code of Laws, which the ICC adopted to promote uniformity across international matches, reducing ambiguities in global broadcasts and scorings.[4] This post-2000s evolution aligned signals with modern video technology needs, enhancing consistency in Test cricket officiating.[4][5] In line with the neutral umpire policy, all Test umpires are selected independently by the ICC to avoid national biases.[5]Historical Development
The origins of Test cricket umpiring date back to the inaugural match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from March 15 to 19, 1877, where each team appointed one umpire—Charles Alexander Reid representing Australia and Benjamin Terry for England—to oversee the game. This bilateral appointment system was the standard practice in early Test cricket, as umpires were typically selected by the home association or the competing sides to ensure knowledge of local playing conditions, though it often raised concerns about potential partiality toward the home team.[1] During the early 20th century, umpiring evolved amid growing scrutiny over decisions in high-stakes series like the Ashes, with efforts to enhance consistency and fairness. A notable development occurred in the 1928–29 Ashes series in Australia, where Australian umpire George Hele stood in all five Tests, marking the first time a single official officiated an entire Ashes series and signaling a shift toward more standardized umpiring practices despite the lack of full neutrality at the time. Following World War II, the professionalization of umpiring accelerated, particularly in England, where the 1950s saw the emergence of dedicated paid roles for Test umpires, allowing former players to focus exclusively on officiating without relying on other occupations. This period laid the groundwork for greater expertise and accountability, as umpires like Frank Chester, who had pioneered professional standards earlier, influenced a new generation to treat the role as a full-time career, improving overall decision-making quality in international matches.[6] In the 1990s, the International Cricket Council (ICC) assumed centralized control of international umpiring to address persistent bias allegations, implementing a trial of one neutral umpire per Test in 1992 and formally establishing the International Panel of Umpires in 1994 to enforce this policy. This reform culminated in 2002 with the creation of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, requiring both on-field officials in Test matches to be from neutral nations, thereby standardizing global umpiring and elevating its professionalism.[7][8]Umpire Panels and Selection
Elite Panel Structure
The International Cricket Council (ICC) established the Elite Panel of Umpires in April 2002 as the premier group of match officials for international cricket, particularly Test matches, to ensure high standards of officiating and neutrality. This panel represents the top tier of umpires, selected from a broader pool of international officials, and has been instrumental in standardizing decision-making at the highest level since its inception. In March 2025, the ICC announced updates to the panel for the 2025-26 season, adding Allahudien Paleker (South Africa) and Alexander Wharf (England) while removing Michael Gough (England) and Joel Wilson (West Indies).[9] As of November 2025, the panel consists of 12 members, reflecting the ICC's commitment to maintaining a compact, elite group capable of handling the demands of global fixtures. Selection to the Elite Panel is based on rigorous criteria, including consistent performance in domestic and international matches, successful completion of fitness and theoretical tests, and positive feedback from annual performance reviews conducted by the ICC's Umpires and Referees Committee. Umpires must demonstrate technical proficiency in areas such as decision accuracy, game management, and adherence to the Laws of Cricket, with evaluations often incorporating data from the Decision Review System (DRS). Appointments are typically for a one-year term, renewable based on ongoing assessments, ensuring the panel remains dynamic and merit-based. The Elite Panel operates under a rotation system for Test match assignments, designed to promote impartiality by avoiding umpires from the host nation or teams involved, a policy formalized to eliminate home bias following earlier controversies in international cricket. This system schedules umpires across a balanced calendar of matches, with each member typically officiating 10-15 Tests per year, allowing for recovery and preparation while covering the ICC's full slate of bilateral and multi-nation series. The following table lists the current members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires as of November 2025, including their country and the year they joined the Elite Panel:| Umpire Name | Country | Elite Panel Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Ahsan Raza | Pakistan | 2023 |
| Alexander Wharf | England | 2025 |
| Allahudien Paleker | South Africa | 2025 |
| Christopher Gaffaney | New Zealand | 2015 |
| Kumara Dharmasena | Sri Lanka | 2011 |
| Nitin Menon | India | 2020 |
| Paul Reiffel | Australia | 2013 |
| Richard Illingworth | England | 2013 |
| Richard Kettleborough | England | 2011 |
| Rodney Tucker | Australia | 2010 |
| Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid | Bangladesh | 2024 |
| Adrian Holdstock | South Africa | 2023 |
National and International Panels
The International Cricket Council (ICC) established the International Panel of Umpires in 1994 to provide a pool of qualified officials for international matches outside the elite tier, ensuring neutral umpiring in Tests and other formats.[10] This panel operates as a developmental tier, supporting umpires in officiating One Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals (T20Is), and non-Test international fixtures, while offering pathways for advancement to higher levels. As of the 2025-26 season, the panel comprises 77 members from full member nations, structured regionally with an Emerging Umpires Group subset that receives prioritized coaching and match opportunities for faster progression.[11] National cricket boards play a pivotal role in nurturing umpires through their domestic panels, which act as primary feeders to the ICC International Panel. For instance, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) manages a tiered national pathway culminating in its Level 2 panels for men's and women's umpires, who officiate first-class and List A matches domestically. Similarly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintains an elite panel of umpires for its domestic competitions, such as the Ranji Trophy, regularly inducting new members based on state-level performance to build a talent pool for international consideration.[12][13] These national structures ensure consistent training and evaluation, with boards nominating top performers to the ICC for inclusion on the International Panel. Promotion to the ICC International Panel requires umpires to demonstrate sustained excellence at the national level, typically involving a minimum of 10 first-class matches officiated, successful completion of certification exams such as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket tests (achieving at least 80-90% scores), and meeting performance thresholds in umpire observations and captain feedback.[12] National boards assess candidates through boundary and in-match evaluations, requiring minimum scores (e.g., 42 out of 50 in ECB assessments) and top-quartile ratings before recommending them to the ICC's selection panel, which reviews annually based on overall consistency and potential. This process emphasizes both technical proficiency and decision-making under pressure, serving as a bridge to the Elite Panel. Recent examples highlight the pathway's effectiveness, with Indian umpire Jayaraman Madangopal promoted to the Emerging Umpires Group within the International Panel in March 2025 after strong domestic performances.[14] Likewise, Australian umpire Sam Nogajski joined the same group in 2025, recognized for his handling of Sheffield Shield matches and prior international exposure.[15] These inductees from 2023-2025 underscore how national panels from major boards like the BCCI and Cricket Australia contribute diverse talent to the global officiating framework.Categorized Lists of Umpires
Umpires by Country
Test cricket umpires hail from various nations, with contributions reflecting the sport's historical and geographical spread. This section organizes umpires alphabetically by country of origin, highlighting key statistics such as the number of Tests umpired by notable figures, periods of activity, and recent developments as of November 2025. Focus is on verified records from reputable cricket databases, emphasizing high-impact umpires and emerging nations' involvement. AfghanistanAfghanistan, granted full Test status in 2018, has yet to produce a Test umpire as of 2025, though national umpires are developing through ICC pathways. [16] Australia
Australia has a long tradition of Test umpiring dating back to the inaugural match in 1877. Daryl Harper holds the record for most Tests umpired by an Australian, with 95 matches from 1998 to 2011. [17] Bruce Oxenford umpired 62 Tests from 2010 to 2021. [17] Paul Reiffel, appointed to the ICC Elite Panel in 2013, remains active, including in the 2024-25 season. [9] Rodney Tucker surpassed Harper's record in October 2025 during a Test in Lahore, becoming Australia's most capped umpire with 97 matches. [18] [19] Bangladesh
Bangladesh entered Test cricket in 2000 and has produced umpires for international panels. Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid joined the ICC Elite Panel in 2024, marking a recent debut for the nation in high-level Test umpiring. [9] He has officiated in 14 Tests as of November 2025, focusing primarily on ODIs and T20Is. [20] England
England, central to Test cricket's origins, has contributed extensively to umpiring. David Shepherd umpired 92 Tests from 1986 to 2005. [17] Richard Kettleborough broke England's record by umpiring his 93rd Test in July 2025, surpassing Shepherd's 92. [21] [22] Current Elite Panel members include Michael Gough (active since 2013, 163 combined internationals as of 2025) and Richard Illingworth (active since 2013). [9] [23] Nigel Llong umpired 62 Tests from 2008 to 2020. [17] Alex Wharf joined the Elite Panel in 2025. [24] India
India's umpiring presence grew with the sport's expansion post-1980s. Nitin Menon, on the ICC Elite Panel since 2020, has umpired numerous Tests, including 9 in 2024. [9] [25] He represents India's ongoing contributions in the modern era. [17] Ireland
Ireland achieved Test status in 2018 but has not yet produced a Test umpire by 2025, with umpires participating in domestic and limited-overs internationals. [26] New Zealand
New Zealand has supplied consistent Test umpires since the early 20th century. Billy Bowden umpired 84 Tests from 2000 to 2016. [17] Christopher Gaffaney, Elite Panel member since 2015, umpired 9 Tests in 2024 and 5 in 2025. [9] [25] [27] Pakistan
Pakistan's umpires gained prominence in the 2000s. Aleem Dar holds the record for most Tests umpired overall, with 145 matches from 2003 to 2023. [17] Ahsan Raza, Elite Panel since 2023, umpired 5 Tests in 2025 and 9 in 2024. [9] [27] [25] South Africa
South Africa has a strong umpiring legacy post-apartheid re-entry in 1992. Rudi Koertzen umpired 108 Tests from 1992 to 2010. [17] Adrian Holdstock joined the Elite Panel in 2023, contributing to recent Tests. [9] Allahudien Paleker joined the Elite Panel in 2025. [9] [24] Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's umpires emerged with Test status in 1982. Kumar Dharmasena umpired 92 Tests from 2010 to 2025. [17] He is on the Elite Panel since 2010. [9] As of 2025, he continues active duties, including in major series. West Indies
The West Indies produced iconic umpires during the golden era of the 1980s-2000s. Steve Bucknor umpired 128 Tests from 1989 to 2009, the second-highest total overall. [17] Gregory Brathwaite has umpired 8 Tests. [28] Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, Test nation since 1992, has contributed through the international panel. Andy Pycroft serves on the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and has officiated numerous international matches in that role as of 2025. [29] [30]
Umpires by Era
The early era of Test cricket umpiring, prior to 1900, featured pioneer officials who were often local cricketers or club members tasked with overseeing the nascent international matches between England and Australia. These umpires operated without formal training or international panels, relying on basic knowledge of the laws amid rudimentary conditions. For instance, Curtis Alfred Reid, an Australian cricketer, officiated the inaugural Test match at Melbourne in 1877 alongside Benjamin Terry, setting a precedent for neutral local appointments in early bilateral series.[31] This period saw umpiring standards evolve from ad hoc decisions to more consistent application, though controversies over close calls were common due to the lack of standardized equipment like sight screens. From 1900 to 1950, umpiring navigated the interwar expansion of Test cricket and the complete halt during World War II (1940–1945), which suspended all international fixtures and limited active officials. Post-war resumption highlighted figures like Frank Chester of England, who debuted in 1924 and officiated a then-record 48 Tests until 1955, renowned for his authoritative presence and accuracy despite losing an arm in a childhood accident.[32] This era emphasized greater professionalism, with umpires increasingly selected for experience in county cricket, though global conflicts restricted the total number of Tests to around 250 across the period, fostering reliance on a small cadre of reliable stand-ins. The mid-20th century era, spanning 1950 to 2000, marked the professionalization of umpiring as Test matches proliferated to over 1,000 globally, driven by decolonization and new Test nations like Pakistan and West Indies. Officials transitioned from part-time roles to full-time ICC appointments, with enhanced training focusing on consistency. Notable examples include England's Dickie Bird, who umpired 66 Tests from 1973 to 1996, becoming synonymous with the era's theatrical yet fair style, and New Zealand's Billy Bowden, whose international debut came in 1995, introducing distinctive signals that reflected growing media scrutiny.[33][34] Umpiring standards shifted toward impartiality, aided by the 1994 introduction of one neutral umpire per match, reducing home bias perceptions. In the modern era from 2000 onward, umpiring has integrated technology and global diversity, with the Decision Review System (DRS) trialed in Tests from 2008 to assist on-field decisions via Hawk-Eye and ultra-edge reviews, significantly improving accuracy rates to over 90% for lbw calls.[3] The full neutral umpire policy since 2002 has elevated officials from non-traditional cricketing nations, exemplified by Pakistan's Aleem Dar, who officiated a record 145 Tests from 2003 to 2023 across 444 international matches.[17][35] This period's trends include heightened diversity, with over 40% of Elite Panel umpires now from Asia and Africa by 2025, alongside rigorous fitness and video analysis protocols that have elevated overall standards amid faster-paced, high-stakes games.Key Changes and Events
Neutral Umpire Policy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the neutral umpire policy in 1994 to promote impartiality in Test matches, mandating that at least one umpire in each game be from a neutral country, neither the host nor the visiting team. This measure built on experimental trials dating back to 1992 and earlier instances, such as Pakistan's use of neutral umpires in home Tests during the late 1980s under captain Imran Khan.[7] By 2002, the policy evolved to require both on-field umpires to be neutral, selected exclusively from the ICC's Elite Panel, marking a full shift away from traditional home-nominated officials. The policy emerged as a direct response to persistent controversies over perceived home bias, including high-profile disputes during the 1987-88 England tour of Pakistan (second Test in Faisalabad), where umpire Shakoor Rana halted play amid a fielding altercation with England's Mike Gatting, fueling global calls for impartial officiating.[36] Additional pressures arose from 1990s incidents, such as accusations of favoritism toward home teams in close decisions like leg-before-wicket (LBW) calls, which undermined the spirit of the game and prompted the ICC to institutionalize neutrality.[7] The implementation significantly mitigated home advantage in umpiring decisions; empirical analysis of 1,000 Test matches from 1986 to 2012 found that introducing one neutral umpire halved the pre-policy bias against visiting teams in LBW dismissals (from a 19% disadvantage to about 9%), while full neutral pairs post-2002 eliminated it entirely, reducing discretionary bias by roughly 40%.[37] This shift not only curbed on-field disputes but also fostered greater mobility for umpires worldwide, allowing top officials from diverse nations to officiate internationally without national affiliations. Exceptions to the policy occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 onward, when travel restrictions led the ICC to suspend neutrality requirements, reverting to home umpires for safety and logistics, with extensions through mid-2021.[38] In response, hybrid models were explored, such as pairing one neutral with one local umpire to balance experience and accessibility, particularly for emerging cricket nations.[39] By April 2022, as restrictions eased, the ICC reinstated full neutral umpiring for Tests starting the 2022-23 season, while committing to ongoing hybrid trials to support umpire development; this policy remains in effect as of 2025.[40][2]In-Game Umpire Substitutions
In Test cricket, in-game umpire substitutions occur infrequently when an on-field umpire or third umpire is unable to continue due to injury, illness, or exceptional circumstances. According to Law 3.8 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, an umpire shall not be changed during the match except in such cases, and the replacement umpire typically assumes the role of the striker's end umpire unless both captains agree otherwise.[41] In international matches governed by the ICC, a fourth umpire is appointed as the reserve official and steps in seamlessly to maintain the flow of play; if the third umpire is replaced, the fourth umpire assumes that role while another official may fill the reserve position.[42] Post-substitution, all decisions made prior to the change remain final and cannot be reviewed or overturned, ensuring continuity and preventing disruptions to the match's integrity. This rule upholds the principle that umpiring judgments are binding once delivered, with the incoming umpire inheriting the ongoing responsibilities without revisiting past events. The procedure also aligns with the neutral umpire policy by prioritizing officials from the ICC's Elite Panel or International Panel to preserve impartiality.[43] Such substitutions are rare, with approximately 15 documented instances across the 148 years of Test cricket from 1877 to 2025, underscoring the robustness of umpire fitness protocols and the infrequency of severe on-field incidents affecting officials. Notable examples include the 2009 Australia-West Indies Test in Adelaide, where English umpire Mark Benson withdrew after the first day due to illness and was replaced by Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf.[44] Another prominent case occurred during the 2016 India-England Test in Mumbai, when Australian umpire Paul Reiffel suffered a concussion after being struck on the head by a wayward throw from bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar on day one; he was immediately substituted by third umpire Marais Erasmus, who took over on-field duties for the remainder of the match.[43] These events highlight the physical demands on umpires and the effectiveness of reserve systems in sustaining match fairness.Milestones and Records
Most Tests Umpired
The record for the most Test matches umpired stands as a testament to an umpire's endurance, consistency, and recognition by the International Cricket Council (ICC). As of late 2025, Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar holds the all-time lead with 145 Tests, a figure accumulated over nearly two decades on the international circuit from 2003 to 2023.[45] This milestone underscores the evolution of umpiring careers, where sustained elite performance enables higher volumes of assignments compared to earlier generations limited by bilateral series and national biases. The following table lists the top 10 umpires by number of Test matches officiated as of 2025:| Rank | Umpire | Country | Span | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleem Dar | Pakistan | 2003/04–2022/23 | 145 |
| 2 | Steve Bucknor | West Indies | 1988/89–2008/09 | 128 |
| 3 | Rudi Koertzen | South Africa | 1992/93–2010 | 108 |
| 4 | Rod Tucker | Australia | 2009/10–2025/26 | 96 |
| 5 | Daryl Harper | Australia | 1998/99–2011 | 95 |
| 6 | Richard Kettleborough | England | 2010/11–2025 | 93 |
| 7 | Kumar Dharmasena | Sri Lanka | 2010/11–2025 | 92 |
| 8 | David Shepherd | England | 1985–2004/05 | 92 |
| 9 | Billy Bowden | New Zealand | 1999/00–2014/15 | 84 |
| 10 | Marais Erasmus | South Africa | 2009/10–2023/24 | 82 |