5 Best umpires of all time in cricket

Over the years the game has evolved because of talented cricketers, improved infrastructure and broadcasting facilities. Above all now the cricket has become a professional sport of the highest order and some of the credit should go to the match officials who are the unsung heroes of the game. They have contributed immensely to bring this sport to a certain level.

Officials have helped cricket retain its tag of gentlemen’s game. Particularly the on-field umpires who are always under the pump to give correct decisions and maintain the spirit of the game. It is a tough task but some of them have set really high standards. Among them, certain umpires are always remembered for their integrity and professionalism.

Here is the list of five best umpires of all time:

1. Simon Taufel

In the game of cricket, some of the best things happen accidentally and it is true in every sense for the umpiring career of Simon Taufel. The Australian who was once a medium fast-bowler for his club, Cammeray CC saw his cricketing dreams shatter at the age of 19 with a career-threatening back injury.

With little hesitation then he took up the umpiring course and within a year he started officiating in the grade cricket. Before the dawn of the 21st century, he made his international debut at a young age of 27.
Since then it was always an upward curve for him and also won ICC Umpire of the year for five consecutive times (2004-2008).

He was known for his accurate decisions and treating the players with utmost generosity. Taufel was one who raised his arms aloft when MS Dhoni hit the famous six in the 2011 World Cup. After officiating 281 international games he stood for the last time in 2012 T20 World Cup final and till 2015 he worked with ICC to improve the umpiring standards. For an individual who considered umpiring as a hobby, it turned out to be a glorious career.