Bird sings Shepherd's praises

David Shepherd has retired as an international umpire © Getty Images

Dickie Bird MBE believes former umpiring colleague David Shepherd will have some “wonderful memories” to look back on following his retirement from international cricket.

Shepherd’s career as an international umpire ended with the deciding NatWest Challenge match between England and Australia at The Brit Oval, although he will continue to umpire in county cricket for the remainder of the season.

The 64-year-old former Gloucestershire player began umpiring in 1981 and officiated in 172 one-day internationals and 92 Test matches.

He bowed out of Test cricket last month after overseeing the second Test between West Indies and Pakistan at Jamaica's Sabina Park.

Shepherd received a memento of his umpiring career © Getty Images

His first Test was alongside Bird when England took on Australia at Old Trafford in 1985 and the latter had no doubt that his colleague would go on to enjoy such a successful career as a match official.

“When I was first umpiring I remember him playing for Gloucestershire and then he turned to umpiring and did his first Test with me. I said then that he would become a good Test cricket umpire, you’ve always an idea,” Bird told ecb.co.uk.

“Like any good umpire, Shep’s qualities were his honesty, application, dedication and concentration.

“We’ve had some wonderful memories together, me and him out there in the middle. I sent him a message and said to him that those memories are ones to treasure once he’s retired. I wish him all the best and a happy retirement.

“He’ll certainly miss it as anyone does when they’ve been in the game so long. I was in it for 50 years as a player and umpire and it is a big wrench when you retire, but that day comes to everyone eventually.

Dickie Bird steps out for his final Test at Lord's in 1996 © Getty Images

“He got a great send-off at The Oval, similar to mine at Lord’s when I went. It’s memories like that that you treasure.”

Bird admits umpiring at the top level is “a job for a single person” due to the amount of travelling involved and time away from home, with Shepherd now able to look forward to relaxing at his home in Devon.

Bird has continued to stay busy since his retirement with numerous charity events and speaking engagements, and last year set up The Dickie Bird Foundation.

The charity aims to assist financially disadvantaged young people to participate in sport and, with the Ashes Test series about to start, the 72-year-old Yorkshireman has no problems filling his time.

“I’ve found another niche by forming the Dickie Bird Foundation for less privileged children,” he explained.

“It’s for children whose parents can’t afford to buy them sports equipment, it’s nationwide and it’s going very well so far.

“I’ll be going to most of the Test matches but I’m very busy with the Foundation and with the Olympics coming up in 2012, I’m helping youngsters and playing my part that way so it occupies my mind.”