Simon Taufel: Umpire el magnifico
“A generous Umpire who shared a good rapport with every individual and, unarguably, the best man to handle match-pressure and game rivalry at the same time with equal calmness; Simon will always be lauded as the most respected umpire in the players’ fraternity!” Writes Monika Arora
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| Simon Taufel calls it a day! |
The cricket world watched the last of Taufel on Sunday, October 7, 2012; in the walloping World T20 final between Sri Lanka and West Indies, alongside Aleem Dar as the final showdown – it was quite an emotional moment for talisman Taufel who was honoured with the ICC Umpire of the Year for five successive years between 2004 to 2008.
Simon started pursuing cricket as a new ball bowler for the Northern Suburbs Cricket Association, he has been accompanied with the captaincy of Michael Slater where Gilchrist kept the gloves. A career cut short by injuries, Simon, however, in his words never considered Umpiring as his forte. An agreed occasion to join Umpiring Course with a friend – David Budge, brought him into grade cricket umpiring followed by first-class debut in 1995.
From the start of his cricket career, Simon has been a disciplined and composed character. Playing for Cammeray Cricket Club, in 1990-91 season, he was awarded with the club’s best and fairest award – for which, in Australian Sports terminology, bestowed to the most disciplined and flawless player who keep the game spirit on top during a period or season.
Apparently, with his due talent and composure – Simon, in January 1999, named to officiate an ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka as his first International assignment. Soon after in December 2000, he appeared in Tests; featuring Australia vs West Indies in the Boxing Day encounter.
Despite having a flourishing career, Simon, often, complained about homesickness due to hectic schedule. And, somehow, he had to come to a decision for the future prospect. Holder of Bronze Bails Award for officiating 100-plus ODIs, Simon is the youngest but most experienced Elite Panel Umpire. With having 74 Tests and 174 ODIs under his Umpiring cap, he stood in most T20 Internationals – 34.
A career full of stupendous achievements and thrilling experiences:
Australia’s sovereign rule:
Blame it on Australia whose no-holds-barred decade survival on World Cricket kept Simon away from officiating two prominent World Cup finals for the years 2003 and 2007 with two ICC Champions Trophy finals in 2006 and 2009.
The man for the big finals:
Thanks to some big upsets regarding the Australian team, Simon, in 2007 and 2009, finally got the chance to appear in WT20 Finals. Also, marked his presence in the final of Champions Trophy 2004.
2009 terrorist attacks in Pakistan:
March 2009. Sri Lanka gusted to visit Pakistan with a packed series and all of a sudden, a group of terrorists attacked on the Lankan team’s bus in Lahore. Simon, who was appointed along with Steve Davis and Chris Broad as match officials, highly criticized security arrangements; tagged as war like situation that led him to make a difficult call to the wife.
The dream comes true:
After missing two finals due to home team’s elegant show, 2011 brought most wonderful sight for Simon. Standing in two Finals of Cricket World Cup 2011, as Simon stated – “Semi-final between India vs Pakistan was more than just a game; featuring two nation’s PM in the scenario, it’s the most flashing moment of my career. Surely, there were two finals in 2011 WC.”
The Ian Bell saga:
A withdrawn appeal for a given out by Indian skipper MS Dhoni in the name of the spirit of the game, Ian Bell was called back to bat which later led into another tour defeat for India. Simon who officiated match later quoted – “by far the Laws, it was out. But with the agreement of both captains, such incidents could happen.”
A high end:
Though, home team’s performance restricted him from many big occasions… yet, Simon was lucky enough to end on a high note. His last Test and ODI presence have seen the Lord’s celebrating Proteas as the new Test Champion; featuring England and South Africa in much anticipated home series. Whereas, his last International assignment witnessed the West Indies as the winners of this year’s WT20.
In his new role as the ICC’s Umpire Performance and Training Manager, he will be replaced by compatriot Bruce Oxenford in Elite Panel of Umpires from 1st November. But stepping down from Umpiring will not halt his cricket here. According to Simon – “I just have switched gears from on the field to off the field. Passion for the game and personal professional development will be there.”
A gifted talent:
First Umpiring assignment at the age of 20, Simon, indeed, is a gifted talent. In the course of time when DRS came up in the background, Simon’s ability no more faltered or customized. On most of the occasions, his accuracy and agility towards decision shows his mental fitness. Where in many run-outs or pending decisions in terms of boundary or six, his indication to respective fielder is alike of TV umpire’s verdict. How could one be so exact, after all!
In the words of his boss, Chief Executive of the ICC, Dave Richardson – “I can say without any hesitation that Simon raised the bar considerably. If one day we have a Hall of Fame of umpires, I’m sure that Simon will be one of the firsts to be inducted.”
He will always be remembered with respect:
A generous Umpire who shared a good rapport with every individual and unarguably the best man to handle match-pressure and game rivalry at the same time with equal calmness – Simon will always be lauded as the most respected umpire in the players’ fraternity!
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This article first published on cricketsoccer.com !
