Gould and Hill added to elite panel

Ian Gould (right) stands in last week's Test between New Zealand and India

Ian Gould and Tony Hill have been added to the ICC’s elite panel of umpires.

The appointments cover the retirements of Steve Bucknor, who will take charge of his final international match during the current one-day series between West Indies and England, and Darrell Hair, who stood down last year.

Former Sussex wicketkeeper Gould, who played 18 one-day internationals for England, said: “I am delighted to have been selected on to the elite panel.

“I believe that having played cricket at a high level for 21 years I understand the game from the players’ point of view and that I bring that empathy out in my umpiring.”

New Zealander Hill added: “I am thrilled by this appointment. For me, umpiring is all about teamwork and so to be part of such a great team as the elite panel is huge for me.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work hard and repaying the faith the ICC has shown in me.”

Meanwhile, four other umpires - Marais Erasmus (South Africa), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Amish Saheba (India) and Nigel Llong (England and Wales) - will now be given overseas appointments, while former Zimbabwe Test batsman Andy Pycroft has been added to the elite panel of match referees.