Former South African umpire Rudi Koertzen, labelled the 'slow finger of death' by the media, has died in a car accident, a family member told AFP on Tuesday.
He was 73.
"Rudi suffered fatal injuries after an accident near Stilbaai between Cape Town and Gqeberha," said the family spokesperson, who requested anonymity.
"My father went to a golf tournament with some friends and they were expected to come back on Monday, but it seems they decided to play another round of golf," his son Rudi told a Gqeberha radio station.
Former South African umpire Rudi Koertzen has died in a car accident at the age of 73
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 9, 2022
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends pic.twitter.com/R0bhtNZu13
The South African team will wear black armbands on Wednesday in honour of Koertzen when they face England at Lord's in London in a test match.
Koertzen first umpired in 1981, handled his maiden international assignment 11 years later, and retired in 2010 after a test between Australia and Pakistan in Leeds, England.
He became known as the 'slow finger of death' because he very slowly raising his finger whenever indicating a batsman was out.
RIP Rudi Koertzen ??
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) August 9, 2022
The umpire has sadly passed at the age of 73 and will be remembered for his iconic 'slow finger' ?? pic.twitter.com/mFry06XOaP
"Every umpire has their trademark and that was mine. The media labelled it the 'slow finger of death' and I found that pretty interesting. There is a story behind it," Koertzen said in an interview.
"When my umpiring career first began, I used to hold my hands in front of me and every time there was an appeal, I would fold them against my ribs," said Koertzen.
"The someone told me 'Rudi, you cannot do that. Every time you raise your hands to fold them, the bowler thinks you are going to give him a wicket'."
"So I started clasping my wrists at the back. The finger comes out slowly because it takes time for me to release my grasp at the back."
RUDI KOERTZEN FACT FILE
Born on 26 March 1949 in Knysna, Western Cape province, Koertzen made his test debut in 1992 in the Boxing Day test match between South Africa and India at Port Elizabeth.
He went on to enjoy an 18-year career at top-level umpiring in which he stood in 108 tests, a record 209 ODIs and 14 T20Is, achieving the revered international status of ICC’s Emirates Elite Panel umpire.
Koertzen singled out standing in the opening match of the 1999 World Cup between England and Sri Lanka as his fondest memory.
Koertzen announced his decision to retire from umpiring on 4 June 2010. He stood in his final ODI on 9 June 2010, between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at Harare, and in his final test from 21–24 July 2010, between Pakistan and Australia at Leeds.
Rudi Koertzen officiated in 331 international matches, the second-most by any umpire.
— ICC (@ICC) August 9, 2022
Farewell to one of the earliest members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. pic.twitter.com/QN5JJBcv1F
PAYING TRIBUTE
Paying tribute to Koertzen’s contribution to cricket, Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said: “The passing of this titan is a sad loss for the game. Koertzen’s contribution to Umpiring, to which he spent the better part of his life speaks volumes about his selfless dedication and commitment.
“With his demise, another curtain of a rich legacy has fallen, but will never be forgotten. In his honour, let’s decree to embody his passion for umpiring and unearth a crop of umpires who will carry the fortunes of the game into the future.”
CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo said: “Rudi departs at the time when cricket is beginning to enjoy the fruit of his toil. His passing has robbed us of a giant upon his foundation we now stand.
“While this is a sad day for cricket in South Africa, we are however comforted by the many lessons of servitude and servant leadership he has left behind for us to embody and emulate.
“On behalf of the Cricket South Board, I send my sincere condolences to Rudi’s family and the many people whom he has touched.”
Cricket South Africa has learnt with shock and sadness of the passing former Umpire Rudi Koertzen ??
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 9, 2022
Famed for his slow arm raise to give out batters, Koertzen's status as a legend of the game will live on forever
Obituary ?? https://t.co/0j4J87uIaP
Rest in Peace Rudi ??? pic.twitter.com/KMf1E99fHE