Legendary Australian umpiring pair Bruce Oxenford, Paul Wilson announce retirements from cricket

Two of Australia's most respected cricket umpires, Bruce Oxenford and Paul Wilson, have announced their retirement from Cricket Australia's elite umpiring panel. The upcoming Marsh Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA Ground, starting on Friday, will be Oxenford and Wilson's final match officiating for Cricket Australia, bringing an end to their lengthy careers at the highest level.

Oxenford, 63, officiated in 70 Test matches, including eight women's Tests, and 109 men's and women's ODIs. He spent 13 years on the ICC Elite Panel before retiring from international cricket in January 2021. Though no longer working international matches, Oxenford continued umpiring domestic cricket as part of Cricket Australia's National Umpiring Panel.

In total, he stood in 75 first-class matches, 50 List A games, and 43 Big Bash League matches including 2 BBL finals. Oxenford was known for the protective forearm guard he wore while umpiring, which England's Joe Root jokingly dubbed his "Captain America" shield during an ODI in 2016.

Wilson, 52, affectionately known as 'Blocker,' spent 11 years on the ICC International Panel. He umpired nine Test matches, 51 ODIs, and 27 T20 Internationals over his career. Domestically, Wilson stood in 62 first-class matches, including four Sheffield Shield finals, 61 List A games, and a remarkable 88 Big Bash League matches including five BBL finals. Before becoming an umpire, Wilson also represented Australia in international cricket as a player, competing in one Test and 11 ODIs.

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This profession has enabled me to travel the world: Oxenford

Both Oxenford and Wilson expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided to them through cricket umpiring. 

"I am forever grateful to Cricket Australia for signing me to the Project Panel, following in the footsteps of Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker," Wilson said in a statement. 

"This profession has enabled me to travel the world, be a part of some amazing cricket matches and make lifelong friends along the way. I'm truly honoured to be able to spend my last first-class match with 'Ox'," he added.

"I am looking forward to whatever new challenges lie ahead off the field," added Oxenford.

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Cricket Australia will certainly miss the experience and professionalism of Oxenford and Wilson. Their retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket umpiring. However, Oxenford and Wilson have paved the way for the next generation of officials and left behind a lasting legacy.