Umpire Mark Benson ends career

LONG-SERVING umpire Mark Benson is stepping down from his role due to an operation needed on his injured back.

Benson, who will be replaced on the ECB Full Umpire’s List by Billy Taylor, played one Test match and a single ODI for England in 1986.

He became a first class umpire in 1997 and was in charge of the World T20 final between India and Pakistan in 2007.

ECB chief operating officer Gordon Hollins said: “Mark will be sadly missed by everyone involved in the game.

“He has made a huge contribution to the sport as both a player and an umpire and has been involved in some crucial matches during his tenure. We wish him well with his recovery and in the future.”

ECB Full List 2016: Rob Bailey, Neil Bainton, Paul Baldwin, Michael Burns, Nick Cook, Nigel Cowley, Jeff Evans, Russell Evans, Steve Gale, Steve Garratt, Michael Gough, Ian Gould, Peter Hartley, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Graham Lloyd, Jeremy Lloyds, Neil Mallender, David Millns, Steve O’Shaughnessy, Tim Robinson, Martin Saggers, Billy Taylor, Alex Wharf