Two of Australia's most respected umpires have announced their retirement from Cricket Australia's (CA) elite panel, with "Captain America" Bruce Oxenford and Paul Wilson to officiate one final time together this week.
The Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA Ground, starting Friday, will be Oxenford and Wilson’s last engagement for CA.
Oxenford, a veteran of 62 Tests and 97 ODIs, spent 13 years on the ICC Elite Panel before retiring from international ranks in January, 2021.
He continued on with the CA's National Umpiring Panel, and has now officiated in 75 first-class matches, 50 List A matches and 43 BBL games.
The 63-year-old will be fondly remembered for the eyebrow-raising forearm guard he liked to use to protect himself from balls flying his way.
The piece of equipment looked so much like a superhero weapon, that England star Joe Root dubbed Oxenford "Captain America" during an ODI clash with Sri Lanka in 2016.
Unfortunately for Oxenford, the oversized armguard wasn't able to protect other parts of his body.
Wilson, affectionately known as 'Blocker', spent 11 years on the ICC International Panel and officiated in eight Tests, 43 ODIs and 26 T20 Internationals. His 62 first class matches included four Sheffield Shield finals and 61 List A matches.
Wilson was a well-known figure on the BBL scene, officiating in five finals among his 88 matches. The 52-year-old, who played one Test and 11 ODIs for Australia, will continue to umpire in various franchise tournaments around the world.
"I am forever grateful to Cricket Australia for signing me to the Project Panel, following in the footsteps of Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker," Wilson said in a statement.
"This profession has enabled me to travel the world, be a part of some amazing cricket matches and make lifelong friends along the way.
"I'm truly honoured to be able to spend my last first-class match with Ox." Oxenford said he felt fortunate to have also been able to travel the world as part of his job.
"I am looking forward to whatever new challenges lie ahead off the field," he said.
