Farewell Taufel!

After 74 Tests, 174 ODIs and 34 T20I later, Simon Taufel retires. Referring him as one among the best will be like ranking Australia as the 9^th team in T20I. He was and still is the only one best in business.

A typical Australian cricketer in his early days – a fast bowler, Taufel was prone to the usual back ailment of young fast bowlers these days, very early in his career. There his ambitions didn’t crash, but emerged to become the youngest umpire, and grew up to be the man to turn to for any crucial clashes.

He is one of the umpires who is welcomed with pleasure to any match, and every team wants him on field. There is no questioning his decision. He might not have that wise and wisdom look of Dickie Bird in a long white coat, or that Nelson shuffle of David Shepherd, or the long decision making of Steve Bucknor, or a carefree decision making of Venkatraghavan. Yet, he stood with respect among the likes of an effervescent Billy Bowden and a competitive young youth in Aleem Dar.

Here is my farewell letter to the man who deserved to be a role model to any professional.

Dear Simon,

There was a never ending ‘Gagnam’ dance going on in full swing; a celebration of decades. The camera just turned away for a brief period and there you were with your family, with that always calm look and sincerity.

It is not always umpires get significant attention. Many say it’s a thankless job. But you did that without any expectation. Of course, under unfortunate circumstances you were pushed to just witness the matches and not play, but Cricket is thankful to you. Many great umpires like Dickie Bird and David Shepherd earned respect, but you made sure Cricket earned the respect whenever you were around. Cricket says ‘Thank You Taufel’, for such a wonderful contribution.

Officiating a Test match at the age of 29 is not a mean job. It definitely shows the confidence cricket has in you, which is more than your self confidence. Straightaway a rule relaxed. No other umpire in the modern era would have officiated in a Test match featuring the home side, either home or away, and Simon, you were lucky with both.

I am, like every other cricket fan, eager to have a glimpse of my favorite stars, but just a glimpse of you will not do. You are one person whom I not just want to meet, but have a short chat with as well. I wonder why invisibility cloaks are not real. If I have it, then I will be right there in front of you for every lecture.

With the calmness, correctness, consistency and professionalism, you have carved a niche for yourself, earned confidence of the players, and respect from fans. Nice to see such quick and sterling decision making in this era of technology scrutinizing decisions. All these said, I wonder what would have happened had you been the umpire in that forfeited match. When I almost decided that you would have remained calm then, your reaction to Umar Akmal disobeying you for a change of gloves during those final moments of the T20I World Cup semi final made me raise a brow.

I am not aware of whether you gave any wrong decisions during your tenure (hope there were none), but you made up for everything with 5 consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards from 2004 to 2008. That’s a great achievement indeed. By this you became a role model to your fellow colleagues as well. Well done Sir!

One can be cent percent sure, even if you haven’t spoken about, that the terrorist attack which you witnessed live 3 years ago is when you would have thought insecure, and may be the beginning of this decision and being in the Elite panel means you stay away from your home for most parts of the year. With a heavy heart, I respect this decision of yours as well.

And, do you know that except for the Birmingham Test of 2011, India has never lost a Test match with you being the on field umpire and Dhoni being the captain? That’s a unique partnership and splendid achievement. And no wonder you rated the 2011 World Cup semi final as the most exciting match of your career.

Farewell ‘Umpire’ Taufel and Welcome ‘Umpire performance and training manager’ Taufel!