17 July,2009 08:09 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Like cricketers, even international umpires live out of a suitcase and miss being with their loved ones. After South African umpire Rudi Koertzen walked out to stand in his 100th Test match at Lord's yesterday, his thoughts were directed to his family. "I would like to dedicate both my achievements to my wife Hyla and four children u2013 my daughters Yalali and Eumelda and my sons Rudolf and Luan. I haven't spent much time with them in the last 17 years as I have been away from home for an average of 210 days a year," saidu00a0 Koertzen, who only recently, completed 200 one-day internationals. Rudi Koertzen
Family matters
"In my absence, it has been a burden on them (family) but they have handled things very nicely and have allowed me to concentrate thoroughly on my job and give my best performance every time I have stepped on to the field," added Koertzen, who became the second umpire after Steve Bucknor to officiate in 100 Tests. It might be a good idea to bring along his loved ones on tour too.
Way back then
Koertzen's international debut came on December 9, 1992 when he officiated in the South Africa vs India ODI in Port Elizabeth. "Obviously you feel proud when you know that amongst a galaxy of quality umpires you are only the second to complete century of Tests and the first to stand in 200 ODIs.
"But it was never a target that I had set for myself when I started international umpiring in 1992 after making my first-class debut in 1981. All I wanted to do was to be part of this great game and contribute as much as I could with dignity, pride, respect and to the best of my abilities."
