ICC Elite Panel umpire Bruce Oxenford set to retire from international duties


ICC Elite Panel umpire Bruce Oxenford set to retire from international duties

Bruce Oxenford

Bruce Oxenford
Bruce Oxenford

Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford has decided to hang his boots in April. His decision to step down from all formats marks end of a 15-year long glorious career. Oxenford was induct into the ICC’s International Panel of umpires in 2007-08. And was promoted to the Elite Panel in 2012. He pioneered the use of the arm shield as protective gear for umpires in international cricket.

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The Aussie’s international debut was at the Gabba in a T20I between Australia and South Africa in January 2006. He then went on to officiate at the last three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and the last three ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. He was also part of the officiating team at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014.

I look back with pride at my international career as an umpire. It is still hard to believe that I officiated in close to 200 international matches. Such a long career was not really something that I had hoped for before commencing on this journey,” Oxenford was quoted by ICC.

I would like to thank the International Cricket Council, Cricket Australia and all my colleagues in the ICC Elite and International panels for their support and encouragement over the years. I had a wonderful time as a match official and will miss the camaraderie that comes with being a part of such a professional group.

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Oxenford to continue officiating in domestic fixtures

Bruce Oxenford
Bruce Oxenford

The Queenslander went on to thank his family and friends for all the support. Having officiated in 62 Test matches, he belongs to an elite list of umpires who have officiated more than 50 Test matches. Overall, only 16 umpires have officiated in 50 or more Tests.

“I shall particularly miss seeing and interacting with the magnificent people who are part of the support structure of our game around the world.”

“Most importantly, I want to thank my wife Jo, son James and daughter Kristen for all their love and support over the years. It would not have been possible for me to have such a long career without their sacrifices and for this I am eternally grateful,” he adds. “Whilst I will no longer stand in International matches, I look forward to continuing to serve the game that I love – officiating within Australia.”

Before doning the umpire’s hat, Oxenford turned up in eight first-class matches for Queensland as a lower-order batsman and legspinner.

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