The prestigious 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final between host nation India and five-time champions Australia will witness the on-field umpiring expertise of England's Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday.
Both Illingworth and Kettleborough, who ascended to the ICC International List on the same memorable day in November 2009, officiated as on-field umpires during this week’s riveting semifinals. Illingworth supervised India’s triumph over New Zealand, while Kettleborough presided over Australia’s thrilling victory against South Africa.
For Kettleborough, this will mark his second appearance as an on-field umpire in a World Cup final. Previously, the 50-year-old partnered with Kumar Dharmasena in the 2015 Men’s ODI World Cup final, witnessing Australia clinch their fifth title against New Zealand at the MCG in an encounter that drew over 93,000 spectators. A similar fervent crowd is anticipated as the host nation aspires to emulate India's 2011 victory and claim the World Cup on home soil.
Both Illingworth and Kettleborough boast accolades as previous winners of the David Shepherd Trophy, an honor bestowed upon the ICC’s Umpire of the Year. Kettleborough secured the award in three consecutive years between 2013 and 2015, while Illingworth joined the prestigious list in 2019 and 2022.
The forthcoming final will see Joel Wilson serving as the third umpire, with Chris Gaffaney as the fourth umpire, and match referee Andy Pycroft, all integral parts of the officiating teams during the semifinals of the ongoing tournament.
India’s flawless streak of 10 victories in the tournament sets the stage for their pursuit of a third Men’s ODI World Cup title, the second on their home turf after the 2011 triumph, seeking to end a decade-long drought of global titles.
Meanwhile, Australia, riding an eight-match unbeaten streak, targets an unprecedented sixth World Cup crown in their eighth final appearance. Notably, Australia claimed victory over India in the World Test Championship final earlier this year in June at The Oval in London.
The upcoming final marks the eighth encounter between India and Australia in ODIs this year, with their tournament opener witnessing a remarkable comeback by India led by a sensational partnership between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.
(With Agency Inputs)
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