Billy Bowden set to become first New Zealand umpire to stand in 200 First-class games

New Zealand’s Billy Bowden is set to become the first umpire from the country to stand in 200 first-class matches. He will achieve the feat during the Plunket Shield match between Auckland and Northern Districts at Eden Park Outer Oval on October 28. The match will mark 30 years since he made his first-class umpiring debut in a Shell Trophy match between the two sides at Eden Park in 1993.

Bowden is the most renowned umpire in the world, noted for his unique umpiring signals. He made his debut as an international umpire during an ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Seddon Park in 1995, and his Test debut in a match between the Black Caps and Australia at Eden Park in 2000. He went on to stand in 85 Tests, 221 ODIs, and 48 T20Is (both men's and women's).

In addition to officiating four ODI World Cups and two T20 World Cups, he stood in the renowned 2005 Ashes series in England, which was known as the finest Ashes series ever. Along with his achievements on the international level, the 60-year-old has been a consistent umpire in New Zealand's domestic leagues. He had appeared in 209 T20 matches and 377 List-A games in the domestic format. 

The Auckland-born umpire expressed his enormous pride in achieving the feat of 200 games and officiating cricket in New Zealand for the past 30 years. He mentioned the 2005 Ashes series, stating it stands out among other events that he has officiated in his career so far. 

"To be involved in 200 first-class games is pretty special. When I started out I just wanted to challenge myself and be the best umpire every day and enjoy the journey. Being a former player myself I just wanted to embrace the cricket, try and make a difference and enjoy being involved in what is the best game in the world,” Bowden was quoted as saying by RNZ.

"There's been many highlights, the 2005 Ashes series being one that really stands out. But covering the domestic finals here in New Zealand, the 50-over finals and the Super Smash and being able to contribute to cricket in New Zealand is really a privilege,” he added.

The 60-year-old further acknowledged that there have been a lot of changes that have happened in umpiring over his 30-year-long career. He pointed out the impacts that the technology has brought to the table. 

"A lot has changed, not the least the clothing! But the challenges remain the same, it's still bat and ball, you still take one ball at a time and you give it how you see it. Technology has moved quickly over the years and has brought its own challenges to umpiring, but that is the beauty of the sport, embracing the challenge and improving every day and trying to get better, not bitter!” he concluded.