The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that John Hampshire has been nominated to the ICC Panel of International Umpires.

Hampshire replaces Mervyn Kitchen on the Panel and joins three other English umpires who have been re-nominated for a further 12 months starting in November: George Sharp, David Shepherd and Peter Willey.

Hampshire, who played eight Test Matches for England between 1969 and 1972, joined the First Class Umpires list in 1985 and umpired his first domestic Test match in 1989.

Announcing the appointment, the ECB's Cricket Operations Manager (First Class) Alan Fordham, said: "John's appointment is well deserved and reflects the widespread respect he commands within the First Class game for his ability as an umpire. We would like to thank Mervyn Kitchen who has done an excellent job as a member of the ICC panel and will continue to be a valued ECB umpire both in international matches in this country and in County Cricket."

For further information contact:

Andrew Walpole, ECB Media Relations Manager - 0171 4321252.