Johannesburg - Top South African umpire Rudi Koertzen has announced his retirement from officiating in international cricket, and will be replaced by Marais Erasmus on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO, Gerald Majola said: “CSA salutes this outstanding South African cricketing son who has earned the respect of players throughout the world with his expert and even-handed umpiring.

“Rudi stood in 106 Tests, a record 209 ODIs and 14 Twenty20 internationals and represented at all times the finest traditions of this great game.

“History will record Rudi’s outstanding contribution to the advancement of cricket in South Africa and throughout the cricketing world.

“He has been a fine role model for aspirant umpires and it is a great tribute to him that one of his protégés, Marais Erasmus, has been elected to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. This is a wonderful achievement and CSA wishes Marais all the best as he flies the flag internationally for South African umpires.”

Reflecting on his illustrious career as an umpire, Koertzen said: “If I can look back at my career with pride, it is due to the sacrifices of my family and the excellent support and backing I received from my fellow umpires and colleagues in Cricket South Africa and the ICC.

“Even though I will retire after the Leeds Test, I’ll be more than happy to assist and help young umpires if they need my guidance as cricket also teaches us to give something back to the sport. After 18 years in business, I think it is payback time,” added Koertzen.

Erasmus expressed his delight at being elected to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, and paid tribute to Koertzen, saying: “I am very excited about this opportunity. To follow in the footsteps of someone like Rudi Koertzen, who is a legend of the game, is something that most of us umpires aspire to.

“Representing my country is a big responsibility and I look forward to taking it on and doing my best wherever the game takes me.”

Koertzen’s last assignment as an elite panelist will be the second and final Test between Pakistan and Australia to be played at Headingley from July 21-25. He will also officiate the first Test between the two sides to be staged at Lord’s from July 13-17.

The 12-member elite panel of umpires:

Billy Bowden (New Zealand)
Aleem Dar (Pakistan)
Steve Davis (England)
Asoka de Silva (Sri Lanka)
Billy Doctrove (West Indies)
Ian Gould (England)
Daryl Harper (Austrlia)
Tony Hill (New Zealand)
Asad Rauf (Pakistan)
Simon Taufel (Australia)
Marias Erasmus (South Africa)
Rodney Tucker (Australia)