MICHAEL GOUGH, the former Durham batsman, takes charge of his first Test Match this week.

The Hartlepool-based umpire is in Bulawayo for the opening Test of the two games series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

After a meteoric rise up the ranks from the Second XI cricket, to the County Championship and 16 One Day Internationals and seven T20 internationals, Gough admitted: “It’s been a combination of three or four years hard work with the ICC and being rewarded for my performances with the ECB.

“Test cricket is the ultimate form for any player and so it is for umpires. The five days on the field are a test of mental and physical strength.’’

Gough represented England at Under-19 level, but fell out of love with the game and turned his attention to umpiring.

He soon made progression through the ranks.

“When I was playing at Durham the ultimate for any kid coming through his international cricket,’’ he said. “At Durham aged 22/23 I lost the enjoyment of the game, but I wanted to become the best umpire and get to the top.

“Ten or 12 years later I’m getting my first test and it’s very satisfying, an opportunity I can’t wait for.’’

Gough’s efforts have seen him regularly crowned Professional Cricketers' Association umpire of the year.

Now the scruitiny and intensity moves up a notch in the Test arena.

He said: “It’s a very rewarding position to be in. You know straight away if you have had a good day or bad day because of the messages you get off friend.

“You look at social media, the newspapers and you know… it’s the opposite of being a player because then you want to be in the limelight and making the headlines, but as an umpire you want to be below the radar.

“It’s about getting your decisions right.

“You know straight away if you make a mistake, the players let you know. Certain occasions and players will whisper something at you and it’s part of the game. I’m there to make decisions and make the correct ones, but I’ve had comments from players and captains.

“You develop a thick skin and hope to get the decisions right.

“Elite level umpires have been great for my development, but look back over the years there’s David Shepherd, Peter Willey and John Hampshire who were very helpful and gave me some great advice and feedback.

“There’s so many different formats and rules of the game now. For an ECB domestic competition you have different regulations to the ICC tournaments – hopefully by doing enough matches it becomes second nature.’’

The match umpire in Bulawayo is David Boon, who was Gough’s captain during his playing days at Durham.