Ian Gould becomes 12th umpire to stand in 50 Tests

Ian Gould, the International Cricket Council Elite Panel umpire, became only the 12th umpire to stand in 50 Test matches after taking field on the opening day of the ongoing Test between West Indies and India in Antigua, on Thursday (July 21).


Gould was presented a memento by legendary West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh before the game began. Joel Garner, the West Indies team manager, and Ranjan Madugalle, the match referee, along with Gould's fellow on-field umpire from the match, Aleem Dar were present during the occasion.
 
The 58-year-old who was promoted to the elite panel in March 2009 stood made his debut in November 2008 when South Africa took on Bangladesh in Bloemfontein.
 
"Over 480 umpires have officiated in Tests to date but only 12 have been successful in reaching 50," Gould said on his achievement. "This is a stat that gives me tremendous satisfaction because I have been successful in maintaining the required and expected standards.
 
"The reality is I would have never reached this position if there had been no support, guidance and cooperation from a number of people, both within and outside the sport. I feel extremely humbled and privileged to have been given the opportunity to work in the sport I love and alongside some of the finest professionals who have been my mentors, role models and inspiration.
 
"I thank all my fellow match officials and colleagues within the ICC and Member countries for making this journey a memorable one for me."
 
In 2006, Gould made his One-Day International and Twenty20 International debut during the series between Sri Lanka and England. He went on to officiate in three ICC Cricket World Cups - in 2007, 2011 and 2015 - ICC Champions Trophy in 2009 and 2013, and in every single edition of the ICC World Twenty20 barring the inaugural one in 2007.
 
Adrian Griffith, ICC's Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees, went on to congratulate the Englishman on his achievement. "On behalf of the ICC, I want to congratulate Ian for reaching this significant milestone," he said.
 
"Ian's knowledge about the game, excellent decision-making, on-field man management skills and friendly attitude has made him one of the most popular and recognisable faces in our sport. We wish him well and hope that he will continue to go from strength to strength."