New Zealand umpire, who officiated in 3rd T20I vs England, was previously a porn star

The England Cricket team’s tour of New Zealand is in full flow. The caravan of the five-match T20I series will move to McLean Park in Napier where Eoin Morgan’s side will look to seek parity in the rubber. After starting the series with a clinical seven-wicket win in Christchurch, they have since then proceeded to drop back-to-back rubbers in Wellington (by 21 runs) and Nelson (by 14 runs).

But, more than the defeat in Wellington, it was their loss in Nelson that would have stung Eoin Morgan and the team management- led by Chris Silverwood. Chasing 181, England looked well on course towards overhauling it before they suffered a dreadful collapse, one that saw them lose 5-10 and eventually the game by 14 runs.

So, the focus now shifts to Napier but in the spotlight is a certain fourth umpire during England’s stunning 14-run defeat in Nelson- Garth Stirrat. According to a report published in ‘The Sun’, Stirrat, who was designated ‘fourth official’ during the previous game is a former porn star. Stirrat is alleged to have featured in a photoshoot under the name Steve Parnell, for a porn magazine- NZX and Brass when he was on duty with the New Zealand Professional Golfers Association.

Commenting on the issue, Garth said to Mirror, “I have no comment to make on an issue from my very distant past and which I have no intention of relitigating.”

Garth had earlier resigned as head of NZHC

Garth held a post as head of New Zealand Hotel Council but he later resigned when his past filming story came to light. In 2010, New Zealand Hotel Council chairwoman Jenny Langley said as quoted by Mirror, “I’ve spoken to Garth and he told me that he was involved in some filming over six years ago, while he was single, living in Auckland. I have also spoken to NZHC Board members who were previously unaware of the situation and they have accepted his resignation.”

Parnell, who is listed as appearing in the adult film ‘S*x Around the World: New Zealand in 2003, expressed his emotions of officiating in an International match, has played cricket in his homeland before later taking up umpiring as a profession. He had also held a post as head of the New Zealand Golfers’ Association before resigning in 2008.

“Was proud as punch to be involved in the T20I in Nelson as 4th umpire. It wasn’t a bad way to spend the birthday too. Thanks for putting on weather and a sell-out crowd.” said Stirrat.

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