ST JOHN’S, Antigua,  CMC – Former Test batsman Robert Bailey, who became a qualified umpire in 2006, will stand in several matches in the West Indies first-class season starting Friday, as part of the umpires’ exchange programme.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have agreed to the umpires’ exchange programme for 2010 which will see more international exposure for match officials from the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

Bailey played four Tests and four One Day International (ODI) matches for England between 1985 and 1990 before becoming a first-class umpire.

Designed to allow umpires from full member countries to get the opportunity to stand in first-class and top-level tournaments away from home, the international umpires’ exchange programme between the WICB and ECB is into its second year.

Bailey will officiate in three rounds of the WICB’s four-day first-class competition in January.

In exchange, an umpire from the West Indies is expected to travel to England in the summer of 2010 to officiate in the English County season.

The WICB’s appointment for that assignment will be made at a later date.

During the 2009 West Indies first-class season, WICB and the ECB had a similar programme with Richard Kettleborough from England officiating in the WICB four-day season, while Peter Nero, from Trinidad and Tobago, officiated in the corresponding English County season.

The WICB’s Cricket Operations Department outlined in a press release Wednesday that negotiations are also underway to have another full member join the programme, thereby providing umpires in the Caribbean with an even “greater opportunity” to broaden their experience in foreign conditions and establish a network with first-class umpires and official from around the cricket world.

“The exchange programme is an important step in the Umpires’ Development Pathway, as regional umpires look to broaden their on-field experience in foreign conditions, as well as gain an appreciation for the cultural differences which exist among the playing nations,” the WICB said.
“It is a clear demonstration of the WICB’s intent to develop all aspects of cricket in the West Indies,” added the WICB in its release.

The WICB’s four-day first-class season bowls off on Friday and will feature seven rounds of matches being played in major venues across the region.

There are several new initiatives including day/night matches with pink balls – with four matches being played under lights.