RIVERSDALE: Former international umpire Rudi Koertzen passed away after a fatal car accident on his way back to his residence at Despatch in Nelson Mandela Bay on Tuesday.

Koertzen, aged 73, who officiated as a field umpire in 108 Tests, 209 ODIs and 14 T20Is totalling 331, during a prolonged career of 19 years that spanned from 1992 to 2010, has passed away following a car accident.

The former international umpire, known for his “slow death finger,” officiated at a number of prestigious competitions, including the 2005 Ashes series and the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups, where he served as the third umpire in the finals and as an on-field umpire in the semifinals.

Koertzen also officiated the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 and 2006, wherein he stood as one of the on-field umpires in the finals.

Following his demise, the South African team will don black bands amid their four-day practice match against the England Lions at St. Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, beginning Tuesday, August 9.

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