04/06/2026
Congratulations to Rodney Tucker, who will become the first Australian umpire to stand in 100 Test matches tonight.
Read more about his contribution to our game 👇
A significant day for New South Wales and Australian Umpiring today (June 4) as Rodney Tucker becomes the first Australian, and fourth overall, to umpire 100 Test Matches.
Rod will stand in the opening match of the Test series between England and New Zealand which commences at 8:00PM (AEST) at Lord’s.
Following his impressive career as a professional cricketer in which he played 103 first-class matches including two for New South Wales, Rod commenced umpiring in then Sydney Grade Cricket as a member of New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association in season 2002-03. He rose through the ranks quickly, umpiring the 2003-04 Belvidere Cup Final, the first of his five consecutive First Grade premiership deciders. Rod was totally committed to umpiring Grade cricket, even when he was elevated to the ICC International Panel of Umpires. He saw the benefit of spending time in the middle, working on his skills, field craft and technique and was always keen to give back to Grade cricket.
He was elevated to Principal membership of NSWCUSA in 2020 and remains a member today.
Rod has always been a wonderful advocate for NSWCUSA and Australian Umpiring. He has on several occasions over the years when interviewed acknowledged with appreciation the role NSWCUSA played in his umpiring development praising the quality of training, coaching and mentoring he received in his early years, and how the experiences he gained umpiring Sydney Grade Cricket helped prepare him well for officiating at the elite level in our game.
Rod has been a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for 16 years, amazing service and longevity. Throughout he has umpired and carried himself with distinction, displaying composure, resilience and performing to a consistently excellent standard under pressure.
Rod Tucker enjoys the respect of international players and coaches and match official colleagues. He is honest, a genuine team player, umpires with strength, integrity and humility, always acts for the good of the umpiring team in helping his colleagues thrive, has always been coachable and committed to continuous improvement, and willing to share his experience to benefit others.
CNSW congratulates Rod on reaching the milestone of umpiring 100 Tests, acknowledges his outstanding commitment and contribution to cricket, and wishes him the very best for an enjoyable and successful match at Lord’s.
Rod will be joined on field by umpire Adrian Holdstock (South Africa), Nitin Menon (India) is the TV Umpire while Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe) is the ICC Match Referee.
https://www.nswcusa.com.au/post/tucker-becomes-first-australian-to-umpire-100-test-matches
