Memorable innings of cricket icon

DICKIE Bird was one of Britain's most loved and eccentric sporting figures, who managed to combine being a highly respected cricket umpire with being something of a comedian.

- 

Players and the viewing public adored him as he effortlessly managed the more volatile players with his good humour.

A lovable eccentric, he famously arrived at a ground five hours early as the Queen was to visit that day.

Bird umpired in 66 Test matches (at the time a world record) and 69 One Day Internationals including three World Cup finals.

Born Harold Dennis Bird in Barnsley, the son of a coalminer, he was nicknamed "Dickie" at school and it stuck.

Failing his 11-plus, he went to Raley Secondary Modern School, leaving at 15 and following his father down the mine.