Billy Bowden, the man who put a smile on the face of international cricket, an umpire rated the best in New Zealand by Australian captain Steve Waugh, has been dropped from the test umpiring squad this season.
Aucklander Bowden will be the third, television, umpire for the firstNew Zealand-Pakistan test at Eden Park next month, but Doug Cowie, David Quested and Steve Dunne will be the New Zealand umpires standing in the three Pakistan tests.
Speaking on the eve of the New Zealand-Pakistan one-day international he will umpire in Napier today, Bowden said he was "devastated, absolutely gutted" when told he would not be on the field for any of the three tests.
"I had been thrilled to get my first test last season," said Bowden. "It was great because it was on my home ground at Eden Park and the Australians were involved, so that made it a real challenge.
"I think I performed well in that test ... Steve Waugh complimented me and said he felt sure I had more tests to come."
Bowden said he was "not going to throw the toys out of the cot." When national umpiring manager Brian Aldridge had told him he was not picked, "I was shattered, speechless even.
"But I have the greatest respect for Brian ... It was his decision, and the point is, you have to earn your tests.
"Now I have got to make a comeback, and I will be stronger for this experience. I will show I have got the ability to umpire more tests."
