Cricket Australia farewells Darrell Hair

Darrell Hair, one of Australia's most decorated umpires, will be departing Australia to live in England early in the New Year.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said that Darrell has made an outstanding contribution to umpiring in Australian cricket.

"In many ways, Darrell has set the standard for Australian umpires," said Mr Sutherland.

"His 49 Test matches and 93 one-day international appearances are Australian records and his 109 first-class games as an umpire ranks him second behind Bob Crockett's record of 126, which is an outstanding achievement.

"Darrell's contribution to Australian umpiring extends much further than his on-field efforts. He is Chairman (retiring) of Cricket Australia's Technical committee, which is responsible for the Playing Conditions, providing interpretations, and any other Law-related matters.

"He has also made a huge contribution to the New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association committee, and has assisted grass roots umpiring as the Umpire Development Officer for a number of years.

"Darrell is very highly regarded by his umpiring colleagues - both domestically and internationally - and he leaves our shores with a strong level of respect from players, administrators and cricket fans alike.

"We thank Darrell for his involvement in Australian umpiring, wish him well in his new venture, and certainly hope to see him back in Australia again one day," said Mr Sutherland.

Darrell said that he will continue in his role as an International Cricket Council (ICC) contracted umpire, and sees the move as an opportunity to experience a new lifestyle.

"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead, but I will certainly miss Australia," said Darrell.

"Being on the international Test Umpiring panel, and with all the travel that is involved with this role, it does not really matter where I'm based. The ICC doesn't appoint an umpire to any international matches in their home country, so in many respects, moving to London will cut down a lot of my travel," said Darrell.

Darrell said that he felt a great sense of pride about what he has achieved in his career to date.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with Australian cricket and am very proud of what I've achieved," he said.

"I've always tried to achieve the highest standards of umpiring and hope that I can maintain these standards for as long as I am involved in the game."

Darrell said that he has a few umpiring appointments before he heads off to England early in the New Year.

"I am sure to have a few mixed feelings about leaving Australia but it is a wonderful opportunity and I'm excited about what lies ahead," said Darrell.

STATISTICS

Darrell Hair Born: 30 September 1952

First-class Debut: February 22, 1989 (NSW v Tasmania, Sydney) Test Debut: January 25, 1992 (Australia v India, Adelaide) ODI Debut: December 14, 1991 (West Indies v India, Adelaide)

109 First-class games (Ranked 2nd behind Bob Crockett's 126) 53 Sheffield Shield-Pura Cup (Ranked equal 7th) 49 Test cricket (Ranked 5th) 93 One-day internationals (Ranked 6th) 34 Domestic limited-overs (Ranked equal 1st with Peter Parker)