Billy willl reach the milestone during Auckland\u2019s Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts starting at Kennard\u2019s Hire Community Oval on Saturday, 30 years on from making his first-class umpiring debut in the Shell Trophy fixture between the two-sides at Eden Park in 1993.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Known for his eccentric umpiring signals, Bowden has gone on to become one of the most recognisable and respected umpires in world cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"To be involved in 200 first-class games is pretty special. When I started out I just wanted to challenge myself and be the best umpire every day and enjoy the journey. Being a former player myself I just wanted to embrace the cricket, try and make a difference and enjoy being involved in what is the best game in the world,\" said Billy to New Zealand Cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been many highlights, the 2005 Ashes series being one that really stands out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut covering the domestic finals here in New Zealand, the 50-over finals and the Super Smash and being able to contribute to cricket in New Zealand is really a privilege,\" he added <\/p>\r\n\r\n
He made his international umpiring debut in an ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Seddon Park in 1995 and made his Test umpiring debut at Eden Park in 2000 in the first Test between the BLACKCAPS and Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bowden would go on to stand in 85 Test matches, 221 ODIs and 48 T20Is (men\u2019s and women\u2019s).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bowden alsso admitted the cahnges in umpiring over his 32-year career so far.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cA lot has changed, not the least the clothing!<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut the challenges remain the same, it\u2019s still bat and ball, you still take one ball at a time and you give it how you see it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTechnology has moved quickly over the years and has brought its own challenges to umpiring, but that is the beauty of the sport, embracing the challenge and improving every day and trying to get better, not bitter!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand Cricket Head of Cricket Operations Richard Brewer praised Bowden\u2019s ongoing commitment to umpiring.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis milestone is testament to Billy having been able to perform at the highest level over a long period of time,\u201d said Brewer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBilly has been at the forefront of cricket\u2019s evolution and has been entertaining cricket fans and non-cricket fans alike with his unique style, long before the advent of new formats of the game designed to appeal to a wider audience. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHowever, it\u2019s Billy\u2019s world-class decision making that has made him one of the most well-known and respected umpires in the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs with players, no one should underestimate the sacrifice that it takes to get to and operate at the highest level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLong periods of time away from the family, intense scrutiny and often only being spoken about when things have gone wrong, is all part of the job and NZC would like to acknowledge Billy\u2019s resolute commitment to umpiring.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bill-bowden-set-for-200-first-class-match-umpiring.jpg", "alt_img": "Bill Bowden set for 200 first-class match umpiring", "alt_title": "Bill Bowden set for 200 first-class match umpiring", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "Bill Bowden Set For 200 First-class Match Umpiring On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "Bill Bowden Set For 200 First-class Match Umpiring, New Zealand Cricket Head: New Zealand cricket umpire Billy Bowden will become the first New Zealand umpire to stand in.", "seo_keywords": "Billy Bowden, Photo Credit, New Delhi, New Zealand, Plunket Shield, Northern Districts, Hire Community Oval, Shell Trophy, Eden Park, New Zealand Cricket, Super Smash, Sri Lanka, Seddon Park, New Zealand Cricket Head, Cricket Operations Richard Brewer", "tag": "", "tagging": "Billy Bowden, Photo Credit, New Delhi, New Zealand, Plunket Shield, Northern Districts, Hire Community Oval, Shell Trophy, Eden Park, New Zealand Cricket, Super Smash, Sri Lanka, Seddon Park, New Zealand Cricket Head, Cricket Operations Richard Brewer", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "bill-bowden-set-for-200-first-class-match-umpiring", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "0", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "1930", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "1", "created": "2023-10-26 23:02:03", "updated": "2023-10-26 23:02:03", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "Billy Bowden, Photo Credit, New Delhi, New Zealand, Plunket Shield, Northern Districts, Hire Community Oval, Shell Trophy, Eden Park, New Zealand Cricket, Super Smash, Sri Lanka, Seddon Park, New Zealand Cricket Head, Cricket Operations Richard Brewer", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "1", "google_feed": "1", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "23", "jio_date": "2023-10-26 23:02:03", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "1", "breaking_news": "1", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "pred_match_id": null, "article_content_type": null, "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/cricket-news\/bill-bowden-set-for-200-first-class-match-umpiring-131204" }