MUMBAI: David Shepherd, the former England test umpire, died today after losing his long battle with cancer. He was 68.

Shepherd was among the most popular and longest serving international umpires having officiated in 172 ODIs, including three successive world cups, and 92 tests between 1983 and 2005.

The portly Shepherd was a hit with the players and fans for his good humored-approach to officiating and his odd superstitions in particularly Nelson – the famous Shep’s ‘jig‘ when scores reached 111 or a multiple thereof. His final county appearance came at his former home ground of Bristol. Shepherd had represented Gloucestershire as a batsman over a 14-year career, which included 282 first-class matches and 12 centuries.

After retiring, Shepherd returned to Devon and remained involved with his local club. He married Jenny, his long-time partner, in 2008.