Nottingham born Test Umpire Nigel Plews has died after an 18-month battle with kidney cancer.

Plews was added to the first class umpires list in 1982 and took charge of England’s fifth test against West Indies at Trent Bridge in 1995.

"Nigel made an enormous contribution to cricket through his deep knowledge and appreciation for the game, its laws and the way it should be played," said David Morgan, President of the International Cricket Council.
 
"He was an advisor to the MCC and the ICC on matters relating to laws and playing regulations and made many important contributions while sitting on various committees and working groups that have had a lasting and positive impact on the game."

ECB Chief Executive, David Collier said, “Nigel was an umpire of exceptional calibre, and conducted fixtures with professionalism, accuracy and wisdom. 

"Not only were his own standards set very high, he also took a great deal of time to assist young umpires with their careers and has acted as mentor to many of our existing First-Class officials.

"Nigel will be remembered as a  true  gentleman who commanded and showed  great  respect. Cricket is very fortunate that Nigel chose to  play such a major role in our sport. He was a great friend who will be very sadlly missed by the cricket family throughout the world.”

His funeral will be held on Monday 3 November at St Jude’s Church in Mapperley.