The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday condoled the death of renowned umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird, saying the Englishman was a “unique character,” who understood the “tensions and pressures” of the players. Bird, 92, breathed his last at his home in Yorkshire, and had officiated in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs during a career that spanned from 1973 to 1996. 

“That was a sad news indeed. Having played the game at the first-class level Dickie knew the tensions and pressures the players undergo and so was sympathetic to their frustrations if his decisions didn’t go their way,” Gavaskar told PTI. The former Indian skipper said the sport has lost a “unique character.” “The players loved him because he was always ready to chat between overs and sometimes between deliveries too. Cricket has lost a unique character and a superb umpire. May his soul rest in peace,” said Gavaskar.