Meet the former porn star-turned umpire who officiated a T20I
While most of the cricket umpires have played the sport at some level or another, there are exceptions who do come from a completely different background. On the same note, the fourth umpire, Garth Stirrat for the third T20I between New Zealand and England, in Nelson on Tuesday, had a unique career. He used to act in porn films. Here is more about him.
Stirrat has enjoyed a successful career as umpire
As for his post-porn career, Stirrat took up the role of umpiring with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He officiated in domestic matches during the 2016-17 Plunket Shield and 2016-17 Ford Trophy. He also officiated in New Zealand women's team matches, while he was the fourth umpire during the third men's T20I between Kiwis and England on Tuesday, which the hosts won by 14 runs.
Garth Stirrat used Steve Parnell as stage name while filming
Stirrat hails from Wellington, New Zealand. According to a report by English tabloid, The Sun, prior to cricket, he used to act in adult films. He has featured in a graphic magazine, while he used the stage name, Steve Parnell while filming adult movies.
Players were aware of Stirrat's history
According to The Sun, the players were aware of Stirrat's history and had no issues with him officiating the matches. Notably, he was reportedly dismissed from his role as the Chief Executive of New Zealand Professional Golfers' Association after his former identity was revealed.
How does the series stand so far?
As for the five-match T20I series between the two sides, it is on a 2-2 deadlock so far. While the visitors won the opening T20I by seven wickets, the hosts bounced back and won the next two, by 21 runs and 14 runs, respectively. The fourth T20I saw England playing ruthless cricket and winning by a humongous margin of 76 runs.
Records scripted during the 4th T20I
Following are some records scripted during the fourth T20I: - England posted their highest score in T20Is (241). - Dawid Malan and Eoin Morgan's 182-run stand is the highest third-wicket partnership in the format. - Morgan registered the fastest half-century by an Englishman in T20Is (21 balls). - Malan hit the fastest T20I century for England (48 balls).
