Broad completes double-century of ODIs as ICC match referee

Brisbane: Chris Broad on Sunday became only the second ICC match referee to officiate in 200 ODIs when he took the field for the toss in the first tri-series final between Australia and Sri Lanka.

The 54-year-old former England opener made his debut in 2004 in Dunedin in an ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan. And now after eight years, Broad stands as only the second match referee after Ranjan Madugalle to have officiated in 200 or more ODIs. In addition to 200 ODIs, Broad has officiated in 51 Tests, which puts him third on the all-time list behind Madugalle (132) and Clive Lloyd (53), while his 41 T20Is places him in second position after Madugalle (46), the ICC said in a statement. As an opener for England, Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire and Orange Free State, Broad played in 340 first-class matches, including 25 Tests, scoring 50 centuries (including six in Tests). In 34 ODIs, he scored 1,361 at an average of 40 with his only century being against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier in 1988. "Obviously, I have an extra reason to be happy today. But at the same time, it is also an indication of the number of ODIs that have been played since I started my career eight years ago (1,180 ODIs have been played since Mr Broad made his debut as an ICC match referee)," Broad said reflecting on his achievement. "There have been a number of people who have helped me reach the figure of 200, notably my family, friends, my fellow match officials and my colleagues at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). I have been extremely privileged to have these people around me throughout my career," he added. Broad said his most memorable match as an ICC match referee was the famous ODI at the Wanderers in 2006 when South Africa chased down Australia`s total of 434 to win by one wicket with one-ball to spare. "It was simply an outstanding day of cricket which produced entertainment all through. The players played as hard as they possibly could, gave the utmost respect to their opponents and played the match within the Spirit of the Game. Broad said he has not set any targets for himself. "I don`t set any targets for myself. I like to see cricket being played in a competitive spirit with fairness and honesty." In his tribute to Broad, Vince Van Der Bijl, ICC Umpires and Referees Manager and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1981, said: "This milestone signifies Chris` dedication to the game and match officiating." "Chris` great passion for cricket and the way it should be played is embodied in his refereeing approach. He has a positive and professional drive that is deeply appreciated by his colleagues as well as the home boards across the globe. His sheer enjoyment in being a match referee is infectious." PTI