National Grid Silver Award for 'Shep' in Mumbai

Press Release from the National Grid: Mumbai, February 24, 2000 National Grid Panel umpire, David Shepherd, reached another milestone in his distinguished cricket career when he stepped onto the field at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to officiate his 50th Test match.

Shepherd, who has become on of the most respected and recognisable figures on the international cricket scene, was presented with a specially commissioned National Grid Silver Award prior to the start of the first Test between South Africa and India. The award was presented by Roger Woods, Country Director, National Grid in India.

This was the first Silver Award to be presented under the scheme that was introduced in 1998 by the UK electricity transmission company National Grid and International Cricket Council to reward and encourage Test match umpires on the National Grid Panel. In addition to the Silver Award for 50 Test matches, panel members who officiate in 40 Test matches are rewarded with a bronze award, while any umpire who reaches the landmark of 60 Tests will receive the ultimate accolade of a Gold Award.

David Shepherd was also the first recipient of a Bronze Award when officiating in his 40th Test match, in Bangalore, in March 1998. Nine months later, Steve Bucknor reached his 40th match as he took to the field for the third Test between Australia and England in Adelaide, a feat that was again marked by the presentation of a Bronze Award.

"I feel very honoured to be the first umpire to receive a National Grid Silver award," said Shepherd. "After nearly 20 years of 1st class umpiring I have seen a lot of changes within international cricket and the formation of the international umpires panel and the sponsorship of National Grid have had a very positive effect on the sport all over the world. On behalf of all the Test match umpires, I would like to thank National Grid for their tremendous support over the past eight years."

David Richards, Chief Executive of the ICC, commented: "Shep has been at the top of his profession for a number of years and this award is due recognition of his ability and durability. He has become without question of the best and most respected umpires in international cricket and he is one of the sport's most popular figures."

"Having been a part of the National Grid sponsored Pilot scheme for the International umpires panel in 1992 and one of the original members of the first National Grid Panel when it was formed in 1994, it is only fitting that Shep should receive the last award to be presented under National Grid's sponsorship of the Test match umpires."

Speaking on behalf of National Grid, Roger Woods, Country Director (India), said: "It gives me great pleasure to present David Shepherd with the first National Grid silver award. 'Shep' is one of the great characters of international cricket and thoroughly deserves this accolade. National Grid is proud that the umpire awards will be a legacy of its association with the ICC, which has been so successful over the past eight years."