Bucknor poised to break Bird record

London, April 26: Steve Bucknor is on the verge of becoming the most experienced Test cricket umpire of all time.

When he officiates in next month's first Test in Lahore between Pakistan and New Zealand, the West Indian will equal Dickie Bird's current record of 66 Tests as an umpire.

He should then move past the retired Englishman's mark when he stands in the second Test of the series at Karachi.

"Steve is an outstanding umpire who has the respect of international cricketers throughout the world," said Dave Richardson, the International Cricket Council's (ICC) general manager.

The former South Africa wicket-keeper added: "He is an excellent decision maker who controls a match with an authority that allows him to work well with players.

"Off the field, his disciplined lifestyle and commitment to personal fitness have been important in enabling him to reach this milestone. They are also characteristics that set an example for other aspiring umpires to follow."

Bucknor, 55, made his Test match debut during the 1988/89 series in the Caribbean between the West Indies and India. He has also umpired in 84 One Day Internationals.

The Jamaican is also the only official to have taken part in both cricket and football World Cups, having refereed a World Cup football international between El Salvador and the Netherlands.

The first Test in the Pakistan-New Zealand series starts on May 1 with the second and final Test on May 8.