Tucker Becomes NSWCUSA’s Most-Capped Test Umpire

In officiating the ongoing men’s Test match between Australia and the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval, NSWCUSA member Rod Tucker becomes the Association’s most-capped Test match umpire.

With 79 Tests now to his name, only Daryl Harper (95 matches) will have more experience as an Australian umpire on the international stage.

Rod made his men’s Test debut in Hamilton in 2010, umpiring the only Test when Bangladesh toured New Zealand.

With the pandemic allowing for umpires to officiate on home soil, last summer was the first time he officiated a Test match in Australia, being on-field for four of the five Ashes Tests matches, including the New Year’s Test at the SCG.

Cricket NSW’s Head of Competitions & Officiating Darren Goodger said of the milestone, “Rod is an outstanding person and international umpire who has enjoyed a wonderful career. He possesses excellent people, communication and match management skills, and is one the best decision makers in world cricket.

“He has a great sense of humour which is appreciated by his peers and the players as well as being an umpire with strong and exemplary character.

“Rod is a principal member of the NSWCUSA and has always been a strong advocate for the Association, CNSW and NSW Premier Cricket, being grateful to all from New South Wales who supported him during his umpiring career.”

Having been a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires since 2010, Rod also has extensive experience in limited-overs internationals.

He has been on-field for 89 men’s ODIs – including the 2013 Champions Trophy Final between England and India as well as 52 T20Is – including the 2016 ICC World T20 Final between England and the West Indies.

Before turning to umpiring, Rod played 103 first-class matches between 1987 and 1999, making his first-class debut as a cricketer in a Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.

His first-class debut as an umpire in December 2004 featured the same two sides – this time at the SCG.

He is joined on-field at the Adelaide Oval in the Second Test by Kumar Dharmasena.

Photo: Aleem Dar & Rod Tucker working together in England // PA Photos