'Just another match', says Bucknor

Steve Bucknor: 'The preparations will be the same' © Getty Images

Steve Bucknor, the West Indian umpire, is set to become the first man to officiate in 100 Tests, when the second Test between India and Pakistan gets underway at Eden Gardens. But he has played down the milestone and has termed it as "just another match".

"The preparations will be the same, probably more because the Eden Gardens, like most places in the Indian sub-continent, is the toughest place for an umpire," Bucknor told AFP. "The noise, the heat and humidity. Mentally and physically it is very demanding."

BCCI announced that it would commemorate Bucknor's feat with a memento, to be presented just before the start of opening day's play in Kolkata. Bucknor, who will also become the first umpire to receive the International Cricket Council's Golden Bails award, has officiated in four World Cup finals, and his first international match being the fourth Test between India and West Indies in April 1989. Coming at second, is David Shepherd of England with 87 Tests.

"I am just plain happy to have officiated at the highest level for 16 years," he said. "Theres no other feeling. If I am thankful to anybody, it's God alone," said Bucknor, who was also a qualified football referee before becoming a full-time cricket umpire in 1992.

Bucknor said that he had no complaints about the advent of technology into the game, and admitted of committing mistakes at times. "It is good to show different angles to viewers, but commentators should also emphasise that the umpire only had the benefit of one angle. We all make mistakes and I have, too. I won't go into details, but I have twice apologised to the players who got affected. A human being is going to err."