Umpire Steve Davis to retire after England-New Zealand ODI series

Steve Davis of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires on Tuesday announced that he will retire from international umpiring at the end of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series between England and New Zealand.

"It has been a difficult but considered decision. I have had a marvelous 25-year career during which I worked with some of the best umpires and match referees," Davis said while announcing his decision.

"I have made many lasting friendships all around the world, both on and off the field, which I will treasure forever. I also take this opportunity to thank Cricket Australia and the ICC for their support and the opportunities they have given me. And as much as anyone, thank my wife Annie and our families for their encouragement and support over the years," he added.

Paying tribute to Davis, ICC General Manager of Cricket, Geoff Allardice, said "Steve will finish international cricket on a high, leaving the game with the respect of not only his umpiring colleagues, but of the match referees and players as well."

"He was one of the best match managers on the field, and a great team man for umpires and referees to work alongside. He has also been the leader of the elite umpires over recent years, and his calming influence will be hard to replace," he added.

63-year-old Davis was selected for the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires in 2002, before he was promoted to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in 2008. To date, Davis has umpired in 57 Tests, 135 ODIs and 26 T20Is.

Davis made his first-class umpiring debut in 1990-91 and umpired in his first ODI in 1992 when he officiated an ODI between Pakistan and the West Indies in Adelaide. His first Test appointment was five years later in Hobart when he stood in the match between Australia and New Zealand.

During his illustrious career, Davis has umpired in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 ICC Cricket World Cups, 2009 and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy tournaments as well as all five ICC World Twenty20 events.

Davis' replacement on the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires will be announced in due course.