Richard Kettleborough: 100 Tests & Shepherd Record Bid
- Richard Kettleborough, 52, is poised to become England's most-capped on-field umpire in Test cricket.
- Kettleborough, born in Sheffield, began his Test umpiring career 15 years ago in Galle.
- Aleem Dar of Pakistan currently holds the record for the most Test matches umpired, with 145.
Richard Kettleborough is on the cusp of making history! The seasoned cricket umpire is set to officiate his 93rd Test match, putting him ahead of his mentor, David Shepherd, and on track to become the first English umpire to reach 100 test matches. Kettleborough, who started his Test umpiring journey 15 years ago, aims to cement his position as a top cricket umpire. The Sheffield-born umpire views Test cricket as the pinnacle, expressing pride in his achievements. With his sights set on the 100-match milestone, Kettleborough reflects on David Shepherd’s influence and the importance of honest decisions. News directory 3 keeps you informed on such stories. Discover what’s next in Kettleborough’s remarkable career.
Kettleborough Eyes Umpiring Century in Test Matches
Updated July 3, 2025
Richard Kettleborough, 52, is poised to become England’s most-capped on-field umpire in Test cricket. as a seasoned cricket umpire, his dedication to the game is clear. He is set to stand in his 93rd Test match when the West Indies face Australia in Grenada, starting Friday. This achievement places him above his mentor, David Shepherd, on the all-time list.
Kettleborough, born in Sheffield, began his Test umpiring career 15 years ago in Galle. He expressed his ambition to reach a century of Test matches, viewing Test cricket as the “pinnacle of the game.”
Aleem Dar of Pakistan currently holds the record for the most Test matches umpired, with 145.
“I honestly never imagined it would happen,but I’m very proud of my achievements,” Kettleborough said.
“To overtake the late, great David Shepherd – who was one of my idols growing up – is something I’m very proud of.”
”Shep always told me ‘If you can look yourself in the mirror at the end of a day’s play and say you gave honest decisions based on what you saw, then you should sleep well’. And I can honestly say I’ve done that every single day of my career.”
What’s next
Kettleborough will continue his Test match umpiring, with his sights firmly set on reaching the 100-match milestone and solidifying his legacy as a top cricket umpire.