Nothing sheepish about this superstitious Englishman

The only laughs he generates is when the score reaches Nelson (111) or `double Nelson’ (222). Then, the superstitious Englishman goes into an overdrive with his elaborate trot-skip-jog-shuffle sequence — the hilarious routine becoming an event awaited with much anticipation by players, spectators and commentators on cricketing grounds the world over. In fact, one suspects players could have conspired — when proceedings are of academic interest — to keep the scoreboard stationary with the idea of making the roly-poly Shepherd go through a protracted agony!

What endears Shep to the players is his firmness, confidence and total control of proceedings without being officious. Unlike Dickie Bird, his illustrious compatriot of yesteryear, Shep sports an omnipresent smile and rarely gets ruffled. Instead of trying to project himself as the unquestionable boss, Shep prefers to quietly explain a negatived appeal by signalling with a wave of the hand, that the ball was going down the leg or that the `catch’ had gone off the sleeve.

One reason why Shepherd, like so many Englishmen, has gone on to become a good umpire and has been readily accepted by players, is that he has played the game at a good level with decent success to understand its pressures and pangs. He turned out for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and has 12 hundreds, with a highest of 153, to his name. He also scored 55 half centuries to end his first class career with 10,679 runs.

Shepherd began his career as a first class umpire in 1981 and within four years officiated in Tests. Shep has now stood in five World Cups — 1983, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999 — including the final of the last two editions.

The Wankhede Test was the 60-year-old Shephered’s 50th Test. Shep may not have age on his side to complete a century, but when he finally calls it a day, he will be remembered as an umpire who was an ornament to the game.And who knows, the avid stamp collector may even be honoured by the British Government — it has already confered the MBE on him — with one in his honour. His ultimate stamp of honour!