Australian umpire Simon Taufel is impressed with the enthusiasm and willingness of Indian umpires to learn. “The umpires are looking at more feedback and more support. They are looking at more training and the one thing that struck me was their enthusiasm. Their willingness to learn is very high and all they need is the right tool and the right support,” said Taufel, here to conduct a week-long course for Indian umpires.
“I think the BCCI wants Indian umpires in the Elite panel. if Cricket Australia can help the BCCI in this, it would be a good tool.”
Elaborating on the programme that he is conducting in association Cricket Australia’s global development manager Ross Turner, Taufel said: “We have been invited by the BCCI to get the umpires to get better in some departments, help them become more professional. We are trying to establish some core foundation of umpiring skills so our first priority is to find out if they are up to it in terms of skill.
“The first step in that process is to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses and to work on it.”
Strong foundation
Stressing on the need for a strong foundation, the world’s best umpire for the last three years said, “We have done some theoretical exercises, we have given them some practical work and we have also given them an exam on laws. We have talked to them about match-management, communication and team-work.
“We have also had practical nets sessions and looked at umpiring techniques as well. Through that process, the umpires have got a very good understanding of their skills, what their strengths and weaknesses are.”