Watching the umpires at England’s Test match against the West Indies, it brought back the discussions we have had over the positioning of the officials while on the field of play, which is different to that of grassroots cricket especially at the striker’s end.

The grassroots umpire at the striker’s end will stand in line with the popping crease, about 25 to 30 yards away, which gives him/her enough distance to be safe from the batter and his shot.

In the Tests, the striker’s-end umpire, while standing the same distance away from the batter, does not stand in line with the popping crease because he would block the view from the many cameras that are placed round the ground - especially for reviews on run-outs. For a new umpire it looks strange and some want to follow that position and have had to be told in order to view run-outs and stumpings they need to be stood in line with the popping crease. After all, we do not have the privilege of replays on a Saturday afternoon!

Positioning at the bowler’s end is very much up to the individual umpire. He should stand where he feels comfortable and is able to see the bowler’s feet easily in respect of no-balls and to keep his head still in doing so, which means only his eyes move. Some bowlers will ask you to move back a bit, which you can do as long as you can see everything. Others will want you to stand closer to the stumps, which is a bit awkward as you need reaction time to avoid being hit by a straight drive. It where you feel safe and able to carry out your duties. He must stand directly behind the stumps, not to one side as that gives a distorted view re-lbw decisions as he is not in line.

The umpire at the bowler’s end is often criticised by players for not getting square on to the popping crease for decisions on run-outs. That is not necessary, but what is, is that the umpire is still and able to make the decision while not moving. He may only be able to move 45 degrees due to the quickness of play - which is perfectly acceptable - but I have seen that used as an excuse for marking umpires down on their performance.