David Archer (umpire)


David Myrton Archer was a West Indian cricketer and umpire. He played first-class cricket for the Windward Islands but is most well known for standing in 28 Test matches between 1981 and 1992.
In his playing career Archer was a right hand batsman and slow left arm bowler who made three first-class appearances for the Windward Islands. The first came against the touring Australians of 1964/65, batting at number eleven he scored 11 not out and bowled 10 wicketless overs conceding 50 runs. He played a single match in both of the following two seasons without great success.
In February 1976 Archer umpired his maiden first-class game, a match between Barbados and Jamaica. Five years later he made the step up to international level when chosen to stand in an ODI between England and the West Indies. Later on during England's tour he stood in his first Test.
As well as umpiring in West Indian domestic cricket Archer also umpired ten matches in England during the 1982 season.
Archer was selected as the West Indian representative for the 1987 World Cup staged in Asia, he stood in five matches in the tournament which was first major trial of 'neutral' umpires. His final international umpiring appearance came in April 1992 when he stood in South Africa's first Test back after re-admission.
Archer died in hospital in Barbados following a short illness.