Author(s): David Hopps; Geoffrey Boycott

Cricket

Dickie Bird, who retired in June 1996, had an umpiring career spanning 66 Tests, three World Cup finals and nearly 100 one-day internationals. As the finest umpire in cricket history and one of the game's most endearing characters, he was also one of a rare breed--a natural eccentric who delighted onlookers while never losing the respect of his fellow professionals.