Col Egar was one of Australia's leading umpires through the 1960s in that decade he stood in 29 out of Australia's 30 home Tests in the decade) making his debut in the famous tied Test between Australia and West Indies at Brisbane in 1960-61, although his colleague, Col Hoy, gave the final run-out decision. He really hit the headlines in the first Test of the 1963-64 series against South Africa when he no-balled Ian Meckiff for throwing four times in his first over. Meckiff did not bowl again in the match and his career was over. But Egar received death threats (an anonymous caller warned he would "get the Kennedy treatment") and he was given police escorts for some time after. Egar's last match was against West Indies at the SCG in 1968-69.

After retiring from umpiring, Egar became a leading administrator, managing a number of Australian tours. In 1988 he was involved in a row with the Pakistan board after complaining about the standard of umpiring which he is reported to have described as "totally unacceptable". For a time the tour was in doubt, but Egar insisted it went ahead. He was the chairman of the ACB between 1989 and 1992.
Martin Williamson

Ian Meckiff (left) confers with umpire Colin Egar in the pavilion at Brisbane. Egar had no-balled him four times for throwing in his first - and only - over © The Cricketer International

Colin Egar © The Cricketer International

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