Legendary Test cricket umpire Dickie Bird dies

Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird has died aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has said.

In a statement, the club said: "It is with profound sadness that The Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces the passing of Harold Dennis 'Dickie' Bird MBE OBE, one of cricket's most beloved figures, who died peacefully at home at the age of 92.

"Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into history as the most famous and popular official in the game's history.

"He is synonymous with Yorkshire Cricket, where he has been one of the most loyal supporters. In 2014, he was named President of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he held with pride and distinction, with the club winning two County Championship titles during his tenure."

Describing him as "one of the most prominent umpires of his era", the club said he "will be truly missed by all at the club, having spent an incredible amount of time in support of everyone here and will be remembered as one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire's history".

Bird came to be one of the best-known figures in the sport, an outstanding umpire also famous for his amusing interactions with players and fans alike, as well as his seeming talent for being involved in quirky, memorable moments.

Among the incidents that saw his legend grow were a bomb scare at Lord's, when he observed proceedings while sitting on the covers in the centre of the pitch, the burst water pipes at Headingley and his entertaining exchange of opinions with a frustrated crowd, a first recorded instance of "good light stopped play" thanks to a Trent Bridge greenhouse and an elbow injury sustained while slipping in the showers at the Women's World Cup.

Blessed with a good nature and vivid character, the unmarried and childless Bird's wide popularity ultimately transcended umpiring.

His autobiography sold more than a million copies, becoming the nation's biggest-selling sports book ever, and he entertained the public for years as a TV personality and travelling raconteur.

In a favoured story he claimed his one-man show drew a bigger audience in Leeds than superstar singer Shirley Bassey.

He was awarded an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket.

In an umpiring career spanning nearly 30 years, he stood in 66 Test matches and 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup finals.

'Proud Yorkshireman and much-loved umpire'

The England and Wales Cricket Board said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Bird, who it described as "a proud Yorkshireman and a much-loved umpire" who "will be sorely missed".

Barnsley Football Club, of whom Bird was a keen supporter and attended their match against Reading just 10 days ago, will hold a minute's applause before Tuesday's Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton.

Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell called him "unique. One off. The greatest".

Broadcaster Piers Morgan called him "the greatest and most legendary umpire in cricket history".

Former prime minister David Cameron called Bird "a national treasure", adding: "Farewell friend".

Lifelong bond with Boycott and Parkinson

Harold Dennis Bird was born in Barnsley in 1933 and might have been a footballer, after earning a youth contract with his hometown club, before a knee injury at 15 effectively ended his career.

The young Bird had always loved cricket, too, and honed his technique in the nets at Barnsley Cricket Club, where he met two of Yorkshire's other favourite sons, Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Parkinson, all three forming a lifelong bond.

Bird claimed to have a technique to rival Boycott, but a temperament less suited to elite competition.

Dropped after his highest score

His top score for the county was 181 not out, but he was dropped for the very next match.

He left Yorkshire over a lack of opportunities and retired at the age of 32 with an average of 20.71.

Keen to stay involved in the game, he took up umpiring and in 1970, stood in his first county match, with his first Test match following three years later.

He retired from tests in 1996 and from all cricket two years later.

As an umpire, he was an instinctive 'not outer' which contributed to some of his mostly good-natured interactions with bowlers.

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He was also consistent, clear and communicative and widely held to be unbiased in his decision-making, something not always guaranteed in the era before neutral umpires.

In 1996, England captain Mike Atherton organised an unprecedented guard of honour for an emotional Bird before play began in his 66th and final match.

Three balls later, Bird gave the opener out lbw.

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