Geoffrey Boycott delivered a heartfelt remembrance of his great friend, Mr Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird, during his appearance on GB News, following the legendary umpire’s death at the age of 92.
The former England opener described Mr Bird as an exceptional official who was admired and loved by cricketers all over the world.
“He was special mainly because he made decisions — but the players loved him. He was honest, he was fair, and he had humour,” Mr Boycott said.
The Yorkshire-born umpire, who stood in international matches between 1973 and 1996, passed away peacefully at his home. Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced his death earlier today, describing him as “one of cricket’s most beloved figures.”
Mr Boycott spoke with warmth about first meeting Mr Bird when he was just 15, recalling how the umpire took him to Barnsley Cricket Club.
“He was a star player — seemed to get 50 every week. A very good cricketer,” he remembered. He also mentioned how broadcaster Mr Michael Parkinson was part of the same cricketing circle, with both men acting “like elder brothers” to him.
One of the lighter stories shared was Mr Bird’s habit of calling him by the wrong name. “When I got into the team at 16, he used to say, ‘Put my gloves on, Gerald.’ I’d say, ‘My name’s Geoffrey.’ But he kept calling me Gerald for days!”
Mr Boycott laughed.Despite his great skill, Mr Bird could be nervous, and Mr Boycott recalled how it showed in his early playing days. He also remembered his old friend’s first car, a Jaguar, and the pride he took in driving it to Scarborough for Yorkshire cricket.
When speaking about Mr Bird’s umpiring career, Mr Boycott emphasised not just his ability, but his humanity. “It would have been easy for an umpire to be officious, to act like God. But Dickie wasn’t like that. He talked to players, listened to them, and defused tension with humour.
That was a very special gift, and it endeared him to players everywhere.”International sides touring England would specifically ask for Mr Bird to stand in their matches, knowing they would get a fair deal.
His reputation for integrity and good humour led to him being chosen to officiate the first three World Cup finals at Lord’s.“Everywhere he went — India, Pakistan, Australia — people loved him. He had that wonderful warmth,” said Mr Boycott.
He ended his tribute with simple, heartfelt words about his lifelong friend: “A nice man. A beautiful man.”
