Doctrove delighted to stand in 100th ODI at Lord’s

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Dominican umpire Billy Doctrove says he is relishing the thought of standing in his 100th One-Day International at the historic Lord’s Ground in England on Tuesday.

“I feel really proud … and to walk out at Lord’s is putting the icing on the cake. To do my 100th ODI … I have to say I am honoured,” said Doctrove who will stand in the fourth ODI of the five match series between England and Pakistan.

“I am very proud to reach this milestone and at the same time I am humbled. When I joined the Dominica Umpires’ Association in 1975 I never thought I would ever stand in 100 ODIs.

“I am sure my whole country is looking ahead to this occasion. I am happy to reach this milestone.”

The 55-year-old Doctrove, the lone West Indian umpire on the International Cricket Council’s Elite Panel of Umpires, stood in his first ODI 12 years ago at Arnos Vale in St Vincent on England’s tour of the Caribbean.

Since then, he has developed into a well respected umpire who has also stood in 27 Tests and 17 Twenty20 Internationals.

Also a qualified FIFA referee, Doctrove said he was dedicated the special achievement to his fellow Dominicans and the people of the Caribbean.

“This is not just for me but for the people of Dominica, the people of the Windward Islands and the people of the West Indies who have supported me,” he said.

“The road has not been an easy one and I want to say special thanks to the Lord who has given me the health and strength to reach this far, to my parents, my wife, my children, and all the people of my country and the region who have been there for me in one way or another.

“It has been an enjoyable experience and I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to do games with the best players in the world and in the best venues in the world.

“Coming from small country I had to overcome a lot [of challenges] but I’m proud to have made it this far after 35 years standing in the middle.”