The Bird man of Barnsley bows out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Summers will never be the same again. Dickie Bird, the most famous cricket umpire in the world, has announced that today's second Test between England and India starting at Lord's will be his last.
Bird, 63, has become a cherished part of the nation's sporting furniture since standing in his first Test match in 1973. Since then he has courted controversy for his often seemingly eccentric decisions about bad light, yet simultaneously charmed the public with his obvious love of the game.
He has also earned the respect and affection of players the world over and is widely regarded as the best and fairest.
Receiving honorary life membership of the MCC yesterday, Bird, who still lives in his native Barnsley, said: "As I make my way through the MCC members and out on to the most wonderful cricket ground in the world, I will shed a few tears.
"Cricket has been my life - there has been nothing else. It's been cricket, cricket, cricket."
Photograph: Tony Buckingham
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments