Nogajski savours taste of big time
THE international umpiring career of Sam Nogajski continues to rise after the Tasmanian teacher added another achievement to his growing resumé at the under-19 World Cup.
Nogajski, who is one of four Australians on the international panel of ICC umpires, was chosen to stand in the final of the World Cup between India and Bangladesh in South Africa two weeks ago.
It comes after he officiated the final of the men’s World T20 qualifiers in the UAE late last year, and featured in the women’s World Cup in the West
Indies in 2018. Following a brief visit home — including returning to his job at Hutchins — the state’s leading umpire will head to Melbourne tomorrow for the tour match between Australia A and the England Lions.
“It was a very unique experience, it is a very intense situation going away for a long period of time away from family and home,” Nogajski said.
“To meet 15 umpires from around the work and umpire with the best cricketing talent at under-19 level from 16 different countries, that was a real privilege.
“There is no doubt it is right up there, you don’t really know which way you will go during the tournament. There was also the neutral umpire policy so I couldn’t umpire Australia and when they couldn’t make the semi-finals, I knew it alleviated some pressure from me and I’d be available for subsequent games.
“It is right up there with the Big Bash finals I’ve been lucky enough to do and the Sheffield Shield finals I have been lucky enough to do.”
Test cricket remains the pinnacle for Nogajski, who’s had international experience at T20 and ODI level.
“All I can hope to do is get appointments similar to these and produce my best form possible,” he said.