New Delhi, June 4: The first Test match between England and New Zealand commenced on Thursday at Lord’s. This match marks the 100th Test for umpire Rod Tucker. The International Cricket Council (ICC) congratulated the Australian umpire on this significant milestone. Former ICC Test umpire Ian Gould presented him with a crystal trophy during the ceremony.
Rod Tucker has become the fourth umpire in cricket history to officiate in 100 Test matches. He joins the ranks of Aleem Dar (145), Steve Bucknor (128), and Rudy Koertzen (108), who have officiated more matches than him.
Before transitioning to umpiring, Tucker was a seam-bowling all-rounder for New South Wales and Tasmania. Between 1986 and 1999, he played 103 first-class matches, scoring 5,076 runs and taking 123 wickets.
In a statement from the ICC, Tucker expressed, “Cricket has always been my passion. I consider myself fortunate to have had such a long career as an international umpire. Umpiring my 100th Test feels like a dream come true. I cherish this journey with love and gratitude. I want to sincerely thank the ICC and Cricket Australia for their continuous support over the years. I am also grateful to the New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association for encouraging me at the start of my career.”
He added, “A special thanks to my colleagues on the elite panel and my family, who have consistently supported me. Without them, I wouldn’t have reached this milestone. I look forward to continuing this wonderful journey with enthusiasm in the coming years.”
Tucker joined the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires in 2010, having previously been part of the International Panel of Umpires since 2008.
In 2017, he became the 13th umpire to officiate in 50 Test matches during the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Newlands, Cape Town. Tucker has officiated in several ICC global tournaments, including the Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, as well as the Men’s Champions Trophy in 2013, 2017, and 2025.
He has also served as an umpire in nine editions of the Men’s T20 World Cup from 2009 to 2026, including the final played in Kolkata in 2016 between West Indies and England.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah remarked, “Rod is a highly respected umpire whose consistency and professionalism have earned him respect from peers, players, and fans worldwide. He has been one of the best umpires of his era, ensuring smooth conduct of matches under pressure. This milestone of 100 Test matches truly reflects the trust cricket administrators have placed in him over the years, and his experience is invaluable.”
He continued, “Rod serves as an inspiration to other umpires around the world. He is someone others turn to for guidance. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rod on this incredible achievement and thank him for his extraordinary dedication to the sport.”
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