Melbourne - Former Test fast bowler Paul Reiffel has been promoted to the International Cricket Council's elite panel of umpires after five seasons among the second-tier group of match officials.
Cricket Australia on Wednesday said Reiffel, who played 37 Tests and 92 limited-overs internationals for Australia from 1992 to 1999, joined the ICC's international panel of umpires for the 2008/9 season and his progression since then led to his elevation to the elite 12-man panel.
The 47-year-old Reiffel says "my aim was to reach the highest level of international umpiring ... it always seemed a long way off so it's very rewarding and exciting to achieve the goal I set myself when I first started umpiring."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.