12 Facts about Billy Bowden: The flamboyant law-keeper of the game

Being an umpire is one of the most strenuous jobs in cricket. But, Billy Bowden, the flamboyant New Zealand umpire is one of those umpires who make the look fun and easy. Bowden, known for his unique mannerism, is most entertaining umpires to have ever taken the field. He was a showman with great entertainment value and earned fans not only for his superb decision making but also for keeping the entertainment level high on the field.

1. Born on:

Brent Fraser Bowden was born on April 11, 1963 in Henderson, Auckland.

2. Early career:

Bowden was a player before rheumatoid arthritis forced him to quit playing and take up umpiring as a alternative career.

3. Eccentric character: 

The New Zealander is well known for his dramatic signaling styles while giving decisions. Some of his classic styles included the “crooked finger of doom” signal to judge a batsman out. His style to signal sixes and fours were also unique. ESPNcricinfo describes, “The most celebrated is his hop-on-one-leg-and-reach-for-Jesus signal for six.”

4. Umpiring debut:

In March 1995, he officiated his first ODI which was between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hamilton. In March 2000, he made his Test debut after being appointed to officiate as an on-field umpire in the match between New Zealand and Australia

5. Enters ICC Elite Panel of Umpires:

In 2002, he was included in the Emirates Panel of International Umpires. A year later, he was promoted to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires. of which he was a member till 2013.

6. Youngest to officiate 100 ODIs:

On 9^th January 2007, Bowden became the youngest umpire to officiate in 100 ODIs during the New Zealand and Sri Lanka match at Hamilton. However, A few days later Simon Taufel bettered that record.

7. Gets knocked over:

While standing at the square leg fielding position during the 2006 Brisbane Ashes Test, Bowden was knocked to the ground by a ball hit by Geraint Jones.

8. A slight low point:

Bowden is an excellent match official and has received praises for his work since his early days of his umpiring career. Bowden enjoyed a 10-year run in the Elite panel before being dropped in June 2013 after an annual review of performance.

9. Comeback and ouster from the Elite panel:

On 1 July 2014, Bowden returned to the elite panel replacing fellow New Zealander Tony Hill. Unfortunately, he was again dropped a year later in 2015. He was replaced by countryman Chris Gaffney.

10. The reason behind the crooked finger:

Billy Bowden suffers from rheumatoid arthritis which made it very painful for Bowden to signal a batsman out with a straight index finger raised above the head. This led to the unconventional; “crooked finger of doom”.

11. Fans and critics:

Bowden’s unique style attracted him both fans and critics. Former Kiwi skipper Martin Crowe referred to him as Bozo the Clown. Many also commented that he should remember that cricket is for the players and fans, not for the umpires.

12. Career

Billy Bowden stood for 84 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 24 T20Is in his career spanning over 20 years.