Emirates Elite Panel Umpires honoured with commemorative awards

Emirates Elite Panel Umpires David Shepherd and Rudi Koertzen were today honoured with a new ICC award for passing the landmark of 100 One-Day International matches.

Both officials were presented with the Bronze Bails award by ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed before the start of the NatWest Series final at Lord's cricket ground today.

Shepherd reached the 100 ODI landmark in the match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Sharjah on 12 April 2002. The English umpire has now stood in 153 ODIs which is more than any other international official.

Koertzen's 100th ODI was the match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Port Elizabeth on 18 March 2002. Today's game is the South African official's 118th ODI.

The Bronze Bails award will presented to all officials who pass the 100 ODI landmark as part of a recognition program that includes Silver Bails (for 200 ODIs) and Golden Bails (for 100 Test matches).

Steve Bucknor and Darrell Hair are the only other members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires to have passed the 100 ODI landmark and they will both be receive the Bronze Bails award over the coming months.