On this day in cricket, 24 May 1995

Dickie Bird attempts to ' break America ''

Recently retired umpire Harold '' Dickie'' Bird is following in the footsteps of legends such as The Beatles , The Rolling Stones and Freddie and The Dreamers by attempting to recreate his British success in America.

Bird begins a 30 date speaking tour tonight in Chicago , which will culminate in an open air show at New York's 60,000 capacity Shea Stadium.

After the runaway success of his autobiography the former test umpire thinks the time is right for an assault on American audiences.

'' It's time to spread my wings across the pond and bring a bit of Barnsley to the States.''

Bird is not the first umpire to try to break America .The first British Umpire Invasion in 1966 saw millions of Americans flock to concert halls all over the States to see the likes of Jack Crapp , Syd Buller and Charlie Elliott .