Cricket: Bowden bowled over by job at World Cup

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Brent "Billy" Bowden insists it will be business as usual when he umpires matches at next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"I'm going to be myself," the 39-year-old said yesterday while waiting for play to start in the first test at the Basin Reserve, where he is third umpire.

"I got to where I am today because of the way I have done things. I'm in no hurry to change," said Bowden, who has often copped unwarranted criticism for his flamboyance.

He described his selection as one of 19 umpires for the cup as one of his best Christmas presents.

The only New Zealander selected for the February-March tournament, he says his appointment fulfils a long-held dream. It also, surely, ranks him No 1 in the country.

"It is fantastic to be given the honour of flying the flag for New Zealand umpires, New Zealand cricket and the New Zealand public. It gives me the chance to show my skills again.

"My first test [in March 2000] was a real buzz. This is just as big.

"To follow four other New Zealand umpires who have been to the World Cup is an honour."

Bowden "nearly drove off the road" when he learned of the appointment.

"I was driving home from the gym when Brian Aldridge called to tell me I was going to the World Cup. I had to pull over and settle myself down. Then, I had to keep quiet about it until the official announcement."

He singled out mentor Graham Reddaway and Aldridge, his coach, as key helpers.

Bowden was a useful cricketer, playing at the Takapuna club and for Auckland B until 1988-89.

He began umpiring in 1990 and was on the first-class panel for the 1991-92 season. In 1994 he stood in his first one-day international.

While not a member of the International Cricket Council's seven-man elite panel, he will start on an equal footing with the other 18 umpires at the cup.

"We are guaranteed between five and seven matches either on the field or off it as third umpire. All umpires will be assessed, with a cut to be made after the first round of 42 games."

Of his chances of the ultimate cup accolade - being appointed to the final - Bowden has mixed feelings.

While he would see it as a great honour, it would mean, if New Zealand went the whole way, he would miss out. "I'm neutral, but maybe they will change the rules and have an umpire from each finalist's country. Wouldn't that be great."