Bucknor relaxed ahead of 100th Test

It's a unique first in the world of cricket, but even such a rare distinction fails to move the strangely unperturbed Steve Bucknor.

The Jamaican umpire's customary smile -- his detractors mistake it for an arrogant smirk -- hangs on his face, as he expresses reluctance to consider his enviable feat as anything outrageously satisfying.

But Bucknor, who stood in his first Test in Jamaica in 1988-89, knows that on Wednesday, when India and Pakistan clash in the second Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, he will be the first umpire in the world to officiate in 100 Tests.

"I look at it not just as one milestone that I should be happy about. Rather, my happiness is at being able to officiate at the highest level for 16 years," said the lanky West Indian.

In his hour of personal glory, he is as calm and poised as he is in the face of vociferous appeals of fielding sides or the intimidation of a howling, emotional crowd.

For him, reaching the personal milestone at Eden Gardens will be special because he considers the venue as one of the toughest to officiate at.

"Eden's crowds are legendary. And so is the noise. It's a big challenge umpiring in such an electrifying atmosphere."

Despite occasional criticism of his umpiring, Bucknor has survived and remains one of the top eight umpires of the International Cricket Council's elite panel.

He is too straightforward to try to ignore criticism or mask his mistakes.

"I have made many wrong decisions, but to err is human. I have said sorry to the affected players," admitted Bucknor, who had been accused by the Indian team of being partial during the tour of Australia in 2003-04.

Though many cricket romantics question the introduction of technology to help reduce human error in decision-making, he is all in favour of change if it is for the good of the game.

"Technology has come into almost all sports and it can be no different with cricket. I have got no complaints against technology."

Bucknor says he has no umpiring idol, but "liked standing in with David Shepherd".

Though he made a mark in cricket and officiated in four World Cup finals, it was football that once beckoned him strongly. He owns a football club called Defenders in hometown Montego Bay and even officiated in a football World Cup qualifier.

March 16 will see him add another feather in his cap.