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Updated April 11th, 2020 at 16:39 IST

Billy Bowden turns 57: ICC, cricket fans wish famous umpire on social media

Billy Bowden created a name for himself in cricket and among fans due to his unique crooked finger action while giving decisions on the field.

Reported by: Suraj Alva
Billy Bowden
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The likes of David Shephard, Simon Taufel, Steve Bucknor, Kumara Dharmasena and Aleem Dar have been among the most prominent umpires in modern-day cricket. However, one umpire, in particular, has gathered the most attention and is loved by fans worldwide - Billy Bowden. Billy Bowden carved a name for himself among the fans due to his unique action while giving decisions on the field. On Saturday, the former New Zealand umpire celebrated his 57th birthday with, ICC and cricket fans taking to social media to wish the man who was known for his 'crooked finger'.

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Billy Bowden birthday: How ICC and fans wished the former umpire 


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Billy Bowden birthday: Billy Bowden fingers 

The reason behind the Billy Bowden fingers raising in crooked fashion during dismissals was that Billy Bowden fingers were affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis, which ended his playing career. After his playing days were gone, Billy Bowden became an umpire in an effort to be involved with the game he so dearly loved. The pain caused by arthritis did not allow Bowden to lift his index finger straight above the head and that is how the "crooked finger of doom" was born.

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Billy Bowden birthday: Has Billy Bowden retired

While the Billy Bowden retired news is yet to be made official, back in 2016 the umpire was axed from New Zealand Cricket's international panel. He was dropped from the International Cricket Council's elite panel in 2013, returned in 2014, but was omitted again after umpiring the test between the West Indies and England in Barbados in May 2015. Bowden umpired his 200th one-day international when New Zealand played Australia in Wellington in February. The 53-year-old Bowden, who officiated in 84 tests and 200 one-day internationals over 21 years, was known for his eccentric signals, especially the crooked finger with which he indicated dismissals.

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Published April 11th, 2020 at 16:39 IST

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