Hartlepool, Durham cricketer Michael Gough has first day as Test umpire

Michael Gough has completed his first day as a Test umpire.
Michael Gough Jnr (centre) flanked by dad Michael Gough Snr (left)  and uncle  Paul 'Goffy' Gough (right) at the Hartlepool Mail Sports AwardsMichael Gough Jnr (centre) flanked by dad Michael Gough Snr (left)  and uncle  Paul 'Goffy' Gough (right) at the Hartlepool Mail Sports Awards
Michael Gough Jnr (centre) flanked by dad Michael Gough Snr (left) and uncle Paul 'Goffy' Gough (right) at the Hartlepool Mail Sports Awards

The former Hartlepool and Durham opener, now a leading umpire for the International Cricket Council, is in the middle for the First Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Bulawayo.

It was a dream come true for Gough, son of former Hartlepool star, Michael Snr.

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Having already taken charge of 16 One-Day Internationals and seven Twenty20 internationals, this was the natural progression.

“Test cricket is the ultimate form for any player and so it is for umpires,” Michael told the ICC website. “The five days on the field are a test of mental and physical strength.”

Day one proved an exciting one at the Queens Sports Club yesterday.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 164 with Neil Wagner taking 6-41, with New Zealand amassing 315-4 at stumps, Tom Latham scoring 105.

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Gough has officiated at both the 50-over and 20-over World Cups but this is the pinnacle for the 36-year-old, who is England’s umpire of the year.

He follows in the footsteps of another Hartlepool man, former Northants keeper, George Sharp, who umpired 15 Tests.

Michael, who played 67 times for Durham and captained England U19 and represented England A, became the 482nd umpire to officiate in Test matches.