David Shepherd passes away

Former umpire David Shepherd has died after a battle with cancer, aged 68, BBC reports. Shepherd, who was born in Devon, officiated in 92 Tests and 172 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals before retiring in 2005.

He was famous for his aversion to the 'Nelson' - scores with a multiple of 111 - which made him hop at the crease nervously between deliveries. Only West Indies' Steve Bucknor (128) and South Africa's Rudi Koertzen (101) have stood in more Tests.

Shepherd had a productive career as a batsman for Gloucestershire, hitting 10,672 runs in a career lasting from 1965 to 1979.

He was appointed as a first-class umpire in 1981 and was swiftly elevated through the ranks, making his Test debut in an Ashes Test four years later.

After his final international match, a one-day game between England and Australia at the Oval, he received a standing ovation from the fans and players.

ICC President David Morgan described Shepherd as a true gentleman of the game.

"He was a fine player and a match official of the very highest quality," he said.

"He will be remembered fondly by players, spectators and administrators as a great entertainer but also as one of the best umpires the game has ever seen.

The current international umpires also issued a collective tribute to their former colleague.

"Shep was one of the truly great cricket umpires that we have seen but more importantly he was one of the true gentlemen of the game of cricket. The international umpires will fondly remember his smiling face, his warm personality and his ever helpful demeanour," said the statement.

He was appointed as a first-class umpire in 1981 and was swiftly elevated through the ranks, making his Test debut in an Ashes Test four years later.

After his final international match, a one-day game between England and Australia at the Oval, he received a standing ovation from the fans and players.

Dickie Bird, who umpired many matches alongside Shepherd, said his former colleague would be missed.

"I feel very saddened this has happened," he said. Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: "There was a huge amount of respect for him. He was a really good umpire, with a bit of character about him.

Gloucestershire chairman John Light also paid tribute to Shepherd.

"As an umpire he has always been a familiar and much-loved face, not only here but at cricket grounds around the world," he said.