Unforgettable Shepherd

It is shocking to hear the news of David Robert Shepherd's demise. He died exactly 2 months before he would turn 69. He is one umpire who can never be hated. He was one of the most fairest-minded umpires that, he turned down the opportunity to maintain ICC's neutral umpiring policy in Test matches when he was offered to umpire the England Test at Lords as his final test. As a good umpire he gave both right decisions and earned respect and trust among the players. His eccentricities too can never be forgotten. The way he used to hop at the score 111(111- considered Unlucky Nelson among British) or its multiple. And what was even more whimsical was that, he continued to hop until the score crossed 111 or its multiple. Alas! it wasn't 111. It was 68 at which misfortune struck his life.

Umpires like Shepherd are just irreplaceable. May his soul rest in peace.