Season 2023-24 saw many Western Australian umpires take the next step in their development and reach new heights, including a well-deserved international debut for a rising star.
WA Umpires celebrate successful season
Seven WA-based umpires reached either the domestic or international stage last summer, with many umpiring at that level for the very first time.
“It has been another brilliant season for umpires in WA, and it has been wonderful to support some of our very best as they work their way up the ranks and receive national and international recognition,” WA Cricket Umpire Coach and Talent Specialist James Hewitt said.
“To have three umpires umpiring in National Pathway finals series is testimony to their skill, dedication and hard work.”
Leading female umpire Ashlee Gibbons continues to lead the charge in the West, becoming the first WA female on the ICC Development Umpires Panel and officiating in her first ever match at the highest level.
“A special mention to our very own Ashlee Gibbons, who earned an international debut in a Women’s T20I qualifier in Vanuatu last September,” Hewitt said.
“Ashlee is a fantastic role model for our young female umpires, and we hope to see more young females get involved in umpiring.”
Former WA Women’s captain Peta Merrilees is one umpire who is working her way up the national ranks, having only taking up umpiring a couple of seasons ago.
Her hard work and dedication were rewarded when she was selected to umpire in the Under 16 National Female Championships, including the Grand Final.
Jamie Thomas is another highly regarded talent within WA umpiring circles, with his calm demeanour under pressure allowing him to work up from WA Premier Cricket to Under 17 National Championship and Toyota Second XI level as the season progressed.
He has also been earmarked as a future on-field umpire in Big Bash League cricket, sitting in as fourth umpire for the first time during the KFC BBL|13 season.
A bright future is on the cards for our umpire family in the state, with not only the calibre of umpires rising, but also participation levels in the game.
“The quality of umpires that our State is continuing to produce is outstanding, and we hope to see plenty of our cohort on the international stage in the near future,” Hewitt said.
The full list of national/international appointments for WA umpires in 2023-24 is available below.
Jarryd Buscall
Under 17 Male National Championships (Debut)
Ahmad Khan
Under 19 Female National Championships (Debut) – including the Grand Final
Women’s National Cricket League (Debut)
Women’s Big Bash League (Debut)
Big Bash League (Debut as fourth umpire)
Ashlee Gibbons
Women’s T20 International (on field Debut)
Women’s T20 International (3rd Umpire Debut)
Women’s Big Bash League (Tv Umpire Debut)
Kate Holloman
Under 17 Male Championships (Debut) – including a semi-final.
Women’s Big Bash League (Debut)
Women’s National Cricket League (Debut)
Jamie Thomas
Under 17 Male National Championships (Debut)
Big Bash League (fourth umpire Debut)
Toyota Second XI (Debut)
Peta Merrilees
Under 16 Female National Championships (Debut) – including the Grand Final
Dennis Smallwood
Women’s National Cricket League (Debut)
To find out more about umpiring in Western Australia, visit the WA Cricket Umpiring webpage: https://www.wacricket.com.au/support/umpiring