Former Otago cricketer turned international umpire Chris Gaffaney will stand in his 50th men’s cricket Test in London on Wednesday night NZT, when the second Ashes Test gets under between England and Australia at Lord’s.
The 47-year-old, who earlier this month umpired at the ICC World Test Championship Final, will become just the second New Zealand umpire in history, behind Billy Bowden, to reach the 50-Test mark.
Gaffaney has been a frequent figure on New Zealand television screens in the past three summers as non-neutral umpires were utilised for home international matches due to covid.
Commenting on the 50 Test milestone – Gaffaney said he considered the job a privilege.
“It’s a tremendous honour to reach 50 Tests and it is made even more special since it will be at the home of cricket. I feel very lucky,” Gaffaney said.
“To be only the second New Zealander in the history of the game to do this is something I’m very proud of. I never thought I’d do one, let alone 50.”
“None of it would have been possible without my incredible wife Sarah who has stuck with me through the highs and lows and been my biggest supporter.”
“I’d like to thank Rodger McHarg who was my first umpire manager at New Zealand Cricket. When I took my first steps into umpiring, he was always there to encourage, help and direct me on the path on which I walk today.”
“Also massive thanks to all my umpiring colleagues. Umpiring is an extremely challenging job which is made all the more enjoyable with the quality people I've had the privilege of working with. Thanks team!”
Gaffaney made the transition from player to umpire after an 11-year career with Otago from 1995 to 2007, where he played 83 first-class matches, 113 one-dayers and eight T20s.
Based in Dunedin, he made his international umpiring debut in an ODI between Canada and Ireland in 2010; he has since gone on to stand in 170 men’s and women’s internationals (49 Tests, 83 ODIs 38 T20Is).
NZC congratulates Chris Gaffaney on this outstanding milestone and thank him for his significant contribution to the game.
