Cricket Australia 2009-10 Umpire Panels announced

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced its 2009-10 Umpire Panels.

The CA Umpire High Performance Panel has appointed two new faces to the 12-member National Umpires Panel for 2009-10, with Gerard Abood (NSW) and Geoff Joshua (VIC) replacing Peter Parker (retired) and Andrew Craig (WA).

Rodney Tucker, Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel have been retained on the ICC's International Umpires Panel, while Steve Davis, Daryl Harper and Simon Taufel remain on the ICC Elite Panel.

"The elevation of Gerard Abood and Geoff Joshua to the national panel highlights the strength of CA's umpiring pathway. Both men have progressed through the ranks, including the Emerging Umpires Program, to earn their places on CA's National Umpires Panel," Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland, said.

"Rod Tucker's identification by the ICC to overseas appointments just a year after making his international debut is further evidence of Australia's reputation for producing high-quality umpires."

The Umpire High Performance Panel is responsible for the selection and management of these umpiring panels and will also be responsible for Match Referee duties this season.

The respective umpire panels are as follows:

ICC Elite Panel (contracted directly to ICC)
Steve DAVIS (SA)
Daryl HARPER (SA)
Simon TAUFEL (NSW)

International Umpires Panel (nominated by CA to the ICC)
Rodney TUCKER (NSW)
Bruce OXENFORD (QLD)
Paul REIFFEL (VIC - TV Umpire)

National Umpires Panel (in alphabetical order)
Gerard ABOOD (NSW)
Jeff BROOKES (WA)
Simon FRY (SA)
Geoff JOSHUA (VIC)
Ian LOCK (WA)
Mick MARTELL (WA)
Bruce OXENFORD (QLD)
Bob PARRY (VIC)
Paul REIFFEL (VIC)
Rodney TUCKER (NSW)
John WARD (VIC)
Tony WARD (VIC)