4th Test: Andy Pycroft joins elite group of match referees with 100 men’s Tests

Melbourne, Dec 26 (NationPress) During the ongoing Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), former Zimbabwe captain Andy Pycroft has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the fourth individual to serve as a match referee in 100 men's Test matches.

Pycroft, who scored 152 runs in three Tests and accumulated 220 runs from 20 ODIs for Zimbabwe between 1983 and 1992, joins an elite circle that includes Ranjan Madugalle (225 matches), Jeff Crowe (125 matches), and Chris Broad (123 matches) in reaching this exceptional milestone.

“It has been a great honour and pleasure being on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees over the years, and to have been afforded the opportunity to officiate all over the world, embracing different cultures,” he stated.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the ICC for its support, my fellow Match Officials, both past and present, for their professionalism and camaraderie, as well as my wife, Karen, and my family for their encouragement and patience. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I have cherished every moment of it,” he mentioned in an ICC statement.

Pycroft, a participant in the ODI World Cups of 1983, 1987, and 1992 for Zimbabwe, has also officiated in 238 Men’s ODIs, 174 Men’s T20Is, and 21 Women’s T20Is since 2009. “I would like to congratulate Andy on reaching this remarkable milestone – a century of Test matches as an ICC Match Referee,” remarked Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees.

“As a seasoned member of our Elite Panel, he consistently utilizes his extensive understanding of cricket to safeguard and enhance the game. Andy is well-respected by both players and his peers, and we are lucky to have him on our team,” he added.

Prior to becoming a match referee, Pycroft had roles in administration, managing the Zimbabwe U19 team and coaching the senior men’s team.