Chris Gaffaney never made it to Lord's as a player.
The former Otago batsman-turned-international umpire watched a days play as a punter in 2001 and has been in the third umpires box on three separate occasions.
However, on Thursday September 8th, Gaffaney strode out to the middle of the hallowed turf for the first time, as he lead England and the West Indies onto the historic ground for their crunch third and deciding Test.
It was an action packed opening day in North London, with 14 wickets falling as England gained a slight upper hand. ICC/2017©IBC/Getty
“Lord's is the home of cricket,” Gaffaney told nzc.nz from London.
“To think of all the great players, umpires and games that have graced the turf … I feel extremely lucky and privileged to get a chance to work here.
“It’s hard to describe, but Lord's has a buzz and an atmosphere that no other ground in the world has. It’s something I'm really looking forward to experiencing over the coming days.”
At just 41-years-old, Gaffaney has made a swift ascent up the umpiring ranks, since pulling stumps on his playing career in 2007.
Gaffaney played 83 first-class games, 113 List A and 8 T20s during his 12 year career with Otago. PHOTOSPORT.
It took him only three years before he stood in his first international and in 2015 he was promoted to the ICC's Elite Panel.
Gaffaney’s now widely regarded as one of the premier umpires in world cricket, and he’ll need all of his nouse to navigate the famed slope of the Lords ground; which appears to challenge officials as much as players.
“Speaking to other umpires - it is a difficult ground to umpire at because of the slope,” he said.
“What you think is hitting the stumps when bowling from the pavilion end can actually slide past due to the slope and vice versa from the nursery end.”
The West Indies were bowled out for 123 on day one, before reducing England to 46-4 at stumps. ICC/2017©IBC/Getty
While travelling the world following cricket may sound glamours, it can be particularly hard with a young family.
Gaffaney’s wife Sarah and their children Max (13), Molly (10), Rosie (8), and Sam (6) will all be in the stands to watch him preside over the important series deciding match.
“It’s really nice to have them here supporting me on my standing debut at Lord's. They sacrifice a lot for me to do what I do, so to have them here is really special.
Gaffaney umpiring a BLACKCAPS home international in 2015. PHOTOSPORT
“To walk through the long room and out onto the playing surface - what an amazing experience!”
Gaffaney’s umpiring career has been a beacon of light for any aspiring players looking to make the transition into officiating.
New Zealand Cricket Match Officials Manager Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri hopes Gaffaney’s story can be an inspiration for budding young umpires.
“What Chris has shown, is that if you’re good enough - you’re old enough,” Eden-Whaitiri said.
“Whether you’re a former player or not, there’s massive potential for young umpires coming through our pathways and we hope to help many more reach the top of international umpiring.”
