Sir Geoffrey Boycott has paid tribute to his friend of 70 years, the “respected, admired and loved” Dickie Bird. Renowned former umpire Bird, one of the most recognisable figures in cricket, has died aged 92. Sir Geoffrey Boycott played with Dickie Bird at Barnsley (Danny Lawson/PA)The 84-year-old recalled how Bird used to insist on calling him ‘Gerald’, despite his protestations. Bird umpired 66 Test matches (PA)“One of my abiding memory was things always happened to Dickie in the field. The ECB said: “Everyone at the England and Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dickie Bird.