Bowden returns to ICC elite panel

Billy Bowden is back on the elite panel of ICC umpires for 2014-15. Bowden is the only change to the panel following the ICC's annual review and selection process, and has replaced fellow New Zealander Tony Hill, who had stepped down earlier this year to become the New Zealand Cricket umpire coach.

Bowden previously served on the elite panel from 2003 to 2013 and has so far umpired in 76 Tests, 189 ODIs and 21 T20 internationals. He was dropped from the panel in June 2013 but was later announced as one of the on-field umpires for the third Ashes Test in Perth and the TV umpire for the fourth Test in Melbourne.

The elite panel was selected by a group chaired by Geoff Allardice, the ICC general manager - cricket, Ranjan Madugalle, the ICC chief match referee, David Lloyd, the former England player, coach and umpire and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, the former India captain and international umpire.

"Billy's return to the elite panel is a result of his hard work and perseverance," Allardice said. "His skills and experience will further strengthen the ICC umpiring team."

Elite panel of ICC umpires: Aleem Dar, Billy Bowden, Kumar Dharmasena, Steve Davis, Marais Erasmus, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker