My Ashes – India v Pakistan

“Aren’t you disappointed you never umpired an Ashes Test?” It’s a question I’m asked often. My answer is “no” and “yes”. “Yes” because for most of my international career Australia were one of the best sides in the world and I wanted to test my skills against the best. “No” because there is another iconic series in world cricket that’s right up there for intensity and pressure, India v Pakistan.

It’s a series that has a similar passion of rivalry and a focus on the outcome by the fans that goes beyond the scoreboard..

I’ve lost count of how many India Pakistan matches I have umpired. It wasn’t long after joining the ICC Elite Panel that I was appointed to my first India Pakistan series in Pakistan. It was early 2004 and I was with my good mate and umpiring legend, the late David Shepherd.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/92/simon-taufel/blog/751/my-ashes-ndash-india-v-pakistan