Steve Bucknor broke the record for umpiring appearances in Tests when he stepped out at the start of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka at Old Trafford. Bucknor's last appearance, in the first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand at Lahore in May, took him level with Dickie Bird on 66 appearances. Bucknor should have have gone past Bird in the second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand in May, but that match was cancelled after a bomb blast in Karachi. Either way, Dickie will have one less story to tell.

"Steve is an outstanding umpire who has the respect of international cricketers throughout the world," said David Richardson, the former South African wicketkeeper who is now ICC's general manager. "He is an excellent decision-maker who controls a match with an authority that allows him to work well with players.

"Off the field, his disciplined lifestyle and commitment to personal fitness have been important in enabling him to reach this milestone. They are also characteristics that set an example for other aspiring umpires to follow."

Bucknor, 56, made his debut in the 1988-89 series between West Indies and India. He is also a keen football fan, and is the only man to have refereed a World Cup match in cricket and football - Bucknor was in charge was El Salvador played the Netherlands Antilles in a qualifying game in October 1988.

Apart from Bucknor and Bird, David Shepherd (62) and Venkat (55) are the only men to have umpired in over 50 Tests. Both are still officiating.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd