Umpire Mark Benson quits international cricket

Quitting: Mark Benson (left) with Ricky Ponting
10 April 2012

Umpire Mark Benson, who walked out of the second Test between Australia and West Indies last December, has confirmed his resignation from international cricket due to worries about his health.

The 51-year-old from Sussex withdrew after the first day of the Adelaide match because of illness, although reports claimed he was unhappy after several of his decisions were challenged under the new umpire review system.

He is to return to England to umpire on the county circuit.

Benson, who has on the ICC's elite umpires panel since 2006, has umpired a total of 27 Tests, 72 one-day internationals and 19 Twenty20s, including the inaugural World Twenty20 final.

Although Benson's contract was not due to expire until the end of June 2010, he asked to be released three months early so he could take up a contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

"I have enjoyed my time on the elite panel immensely," said Benson.

"The opportunity to be part of the global game has given me memories that I will always treasure. But travel and being away from home takes its toll on the family and some warning bells have started to ring regarding my health.

"So, having thought about it carefully, I feel now is the right time for me to step down and move to a more settled and familiar environment in England.

"I'd like to thank the ICC and my umpiring colleagues on the elite panel for their support over the years.

"Umpiring at the top level has been a very rewarding experience for me and it is not an easy decision to walk away from it but I believe it is the right one as far as my health and family are concerned.

"I also want to thank the ECB for giving me the opportunity to be part of the county circuit again. I'm looking forward to the new season as much as I did when I played, and hope that I can add value with my international experience as an ICC elite umpire."

ICC umpires chief Vince van der Bijl said: "We fully understand and support his decision, which was brought on by a desire to spend more time in England with his family and some concerns about health issues.

"He will add richly to the county circuit as he is a talented and hugely experienced umpire and we wish him great success."

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