Umpires are a very important part of cricket, in fact, they are at the heart of this game. They are the ones who ensure that the game is played in the right spirit and all the rules of the game are followed. Their presence on the field is essential to ensure a smooth flow to the game and to make sure that the game is played fairly and in a disciplined manner.
Most of us might have heard about male umpires officiating on the field, but nowadays we have begun to witness women umpires officiating in the match. The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League had the involvement of many women umpires.
Former England all-rounder Seu Redfern is also one of those players who have taken up umpiring as a profession after retiring from International cricket. She made her international debut on 18th July 1995 in an ODI against the Netherlands. She has played six test matches and 15 ODIs for England, picking up all 22 wickets (6 Test and 16 ODIs). She took up umpiring after retiring from cricket.
“It has been an ambition of mine for a long time and, while it is a new challenge that will test me, I know that I’m ready for it. I have worked hard to earn this opportunity and I look forward to taking the next step in my career. I hope my journey can also be an inspiration for others.” Former England all-rounder Sue Redfern speaks about taking up umpiring as a full-time profession.
She made history a couple of years ago as a fourth umpire when she became the first woman umpire to officiate in a home match for the England men’s team in a T20I against Sri Lanka. Her stints as an umpire also include a few global tournaments including the likes of the Commonwealth Games 2022, three ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, and a couple of ICC Women’s World Cups.
She was named in the team of Professional Umpires last year, enabling her to officiate in first-class cricket in England. She became the first female to officiate in a T20 Blast match for a game between Gloucestershire and Middlesex, as far as her stints in the domestic circuit as an umpire are concerned.
(Quotes sourced from BBC Sport)
