Koertzen call for Rudi

Rudi Koertzen was given a fitting send-off by Australia and Pakistan, who give him a guard of honour at Headingley Carnegie

Rudi Koertzen admitted he would miss Test cricket after his 18-year umpiring career came to an end in the second MCC Spirit of Cricket Test between Pakistan and Australia at Headingley today.

The 61-year-old, who was famed for his slow left-arm raise to give out batsman, was given a guard of honour by the players before play this morning as he walked out for the last time to officiate in his 108th Test match.

The South African was expecting a routine final day with Pakistan needing just 40 runs to secure victory with seven wickets in hand, but he was given one last tough day as Australia pushed for an unlikely win.

Koertzen correctly turned down a couple of strong shouts from the Australians before referring a catch to the third umpire, after Mike Hussey had claimed it at gully, which was ruled not out.

Pakistan eventually fell over the line by just three wickets and Koertzen admitted he would miss such drama in retirement.

“This morning I thought have nice and easy day then they started putting pressure on me to see if the old guy can handle it,” he said afterwards.

“That’s cricket. It’s an amazing sport and I was so honoured to be part of it and I’ll definitely miss it.

“I am really looking forward to retirement. I've got a few things in the pipeline but I am looking forward to taking a break and spending time with my family.”

Koertzen made his Test debut in 1992 in the Boxing Day Test match between South Africa and India at Port Elizabeth.

He also stood in a record 209 one-day internationals and 14 Twenty20s and singled out standing in the opening match of the 1999 World Cup between England and Sri Lanka as his most fondest memory.