Richard Kettleborough, pictured here at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, is one of the best cricket umpires. He is set to make history by marking his centenary Test match by targeting the umpiring. As he prepares to stand in his 94th Test match during the second Test between West Indies and Australia in Grenada, Kettleborough is set to become England’s most capped on-field umpire in this prestigious format.
At 52 years old, Kettleborough has already amassed an impressive record of 93 Test matches since beginning his career in Galle 15 years ago. For Perry, this week’s matchup will be an important milestone of his own journey. It puts him one step closer to surpassing David Shepherd’s record, an accomplishment that he hopes to achieve as David Shepherd was one of his idols.
Kettleborough’s journey is about much more than his on-field ambitions. He wants to be the first Englishman to make it on-field to 100 Test matches. In so doing, he will take the sixth position on the all-time umpires list. He will then go second only to Pakistan’s Aleem Dar, who is the current record-holder with 145 Tests.
Looking back on his career, Kettleborough said pride in his accomplishments would be an understatement.
“I honestly never imagined it would happen, but I’m very proud of my achievements,” – Richard Kettleborough.
He doesn’t shy away from admitting Shepherd’s deep role on his career, saying,
“To overtake the late, great David Shepherd – who was one of my idols growing up – is something I’m very proud of.” – Richard Kettleborough.
With an astounding playing career, Kettleborough opened his cricket education on solid footing. He proved his talent in 33 first-class encounters and 21 List A games. His journey to becoming an umpire has been an inspiring tale of hard work and love for the game. He has a deep respect for Test cricket as the highest form of the sport and is striving to maintain that integrity by ensuring the officiating is aboveboard.
“I’ve always seen Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game,” – Richard Kettleborough.
Kettleborough credits Shepherd as a mentor, recalling the wisdom imparted to him:
“Shep always told me ‘If you can look yourself in the mirror at the end of a day’s play and say you gave honest decisions based on what you saw, then you should sleep well’.” – Richard Kettleborough.
Kettleborough is soon to find himself at the precipice of a spectacular human accomplishment. He is the personification of cricket regexp.english_PUNCT_CLOSE officiating and inspires future generations of umpires. His journey is an inspiring tribute to hard work, mentorship, and a deep passion for the sport.
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