Herbie Felsinger, the umpire who officiated in Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test match against England in February 1982 at the P Sara Oval has died at the age of 87.
Felsinger officiated the Test with another legendary Sri Lankan umpire KT Francis who predeceased him in 2013. Both Felsinger and Francis were umpires of the highest grade prior to the advent of technology.
Felsinger was an umpire for two decades since 1971 until a stroke in 1991 left him partially paralysed and ended his career. He however recovered from the stroke and walked around with the assistance of a walking stick.
He officiated in 6 Tests and 11 One-Day Internationals between 1982 and 1986.
He was also an outstanding cricketer with Carey College and Moors SC and at one time held the first wicket opening partnership record of 351 runs with Makkin Salih in the Sara Trophy division I cricket tournament. He also played for NCC, Saracens and BRC.
Herbie Felsinger’s brother Alan Felsinger was also an umpire and officiated in Tests and ODIs.
– ST
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