Simon Fry of South Australia and Victoria's John Ward have retired from elite umpiring after having enjoyed distinguished careers both at the international and domestic level over the past two decades.
The pair of Fry and Ward officiated together Tasmania's Marsh Sheffield Shield victory over New South Wales at Blundstone Arena in March for the last time.
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Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday (April 16) congratulated and thanked both retiring umpires as Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations, lauded the two for their outstanding contributions to umpiring in Australia and wonderful job while wishing them “well in their retirement”.
Roach said in an official statement, “We extend our congratulations and thanks to both Simon and John on their outstanding contributions to umpiring in Australia. Throughout their careers, Simon and John have demonstrated outstanding skill and leadership. Both depart the umpiring ranks at the top of their craft and we wish them well in their retirement.”
Meanwhile, Fry says goodbye to elite umpiring after 20 seasons, having stood in seven Test matches on-field, while 76 white-ball internationals across women's and men's cricket in his international career.
The South Australian has stood in 100 first-class games, 130 List-A matches and 93 Twenty20 men's matches in his domestic career while won the Cricket Australia Umpire Award four times.
Fry said of his retirement, “Never would I have thought that a chance meeting with a former teammate would lead to a twenty-year career in the game that I love. I believe the time is right to step aside and for someone else to experience the same opportunities, challenges and sense of satisfaction that I have enjoyed.”
He added, “I feel fortunate to have made many wonderful friendships which I will treasure forever. I wish to thank the SACA, CA and the ICC for their support throughout my career. Most importantly, I thank my wife Rachel, our children and our families for their encouragement and support over the years.”
On the other hand, Victoria's John Ward acted as an umpire for 19 seasons which consisted of 32 white ball internationals, 87 first-class matches, 84 List-A and 117 T20 matches.
Ward stated: “I feel very fortunate to have umpired cricket at this level for so long. It has been a privilege. The relationships I've developed with on-field colleagues, match referees, CA staff and players have been the highlight for me.”
He signed off by saying, “My retirement creates an opportunity for someone else to experience this high-performance environment and I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.”
(With ANI Inputs)
