Firefighter Dill set to blaze a trail next week

Bermuda fireman Roger Dill will create history in Trinidad next week.

The 48 year-old will become the first member of the ICC's Associate and Affiliate umpires' panel to stand in a one-day international (ODI) during the upcoming tri-series between Zimbabwe, Bermuda and Canada.

He will officiate alongside Emirates Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel while former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd will act as match referee for the four matches starting on 16 May.

"I'm pleased to be invited (to officiate) and also very excited," said Dill as he prepared for his trip to the Caribbean.

"I didn't realise I will be the first person from the Associates and Affiliates to umpire a ODI but the chance to do that is a great vote of confidence in the new panel.

"It shows the ICC is now looking at all umpires, no matter where they come from, and no one is out of the circle."

Dill's rise is especially impressive given he has been umpiring for less than ten years and he admitted he began by chance and not because of any burning ambition.

"I started in 1997 when I went to watch a friend playing and they were short of an umpire," he said.

"I was told afterwards I didn't do too badly so I went to a few meetings to learn more, I found it fun and interesting and it went from there.

"I did play a bit as well but I never expected to get this far in my umpiring career," he added. "Now I just want to continue to enjoy the game, make myself available whenever I can and umpire consistently at as high a level as I can."

Dill was a member of the first ICC Associate and Affiliate umpiring panel, created in April last year to give officials outside the Full Member countries the chance to progress to the highest level possible.

He has stood in ICC Intercontinental Cup, ICC Trophy and ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup matches and after impressing during those appointments has now gained further recognition.

It means Dill will have to take time off from his job as a sergeant in Bermuda's fire service but he views it as a worthwhile sacrifice.

"There have been a couple of instances where I have had to take some leave and my colleagues have also been willing to cover for me," he said.

"It is all worth it for something like this. When we get these sorts of opportunities as Associate and Affiliate umpires then it is part of our responsibility to take them."

Dill believes his job as a firefighter, one he has done for almost 30 years, has helped him in his efforts as an umpire.

"They do have some similarities," he said. "They both involve being under pressure and everyone around you expects you to be calm and in control."

Now he has the chance to work with the ICC's umpire of the year Taufel and Lloyd, a legend of the game, and he cannot wait.

"Simon is one of the top elite umpires and he came and spoke to us during a recent meeting in Dubai," he said.

"He is so professional in everything he does, his dedication and attention to detail is amazing and I can only gain from his experience and knowledge.

"And to be part of Clive's team will be a great thing given the way he is revered in the cricket world."

And what advice has Dill got for other aspiring officials, especially those from the Associate and Affiliate ICC Members?

"I have learnt lots from the Elite and International panels I've met but the main things are to maintain a sound knowledge of the Laws, be physically fit and stand in as many matches as you can.

"And as for the matches in Trinidad, I'm really looking forward to them and am determined to enjoy it all."

The dates for the tri-series matches are:

16 May - Canada v Zimbabwe
17 May - Bermuda v Canada
18 May - Bermuda v Zimbabwe
20 May - Final

All matches will be played at the Queen's Park Oval.

The matches are part of dramatic increase in the program of ODIs for the six Associate Member countries that will participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

The six sides - Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, The Netherlands and Scotland - are expected to play at least 64 ODI matches (some of which have already been contested) before the ICC Cricket World Cup begins in March 2007, including scheduled matches against Full Member countries.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said the new program was an essential step in the development of the sport in these countries.

"The ICC is delighted to be able to announce such a dramatic increase in the number of ODI matches to be played by these Associate Member countries," he said.

"It is essential that their top players are exposed to regular competitive international cricket if they are to continue to develop and this is a very significant step in the right direction."