A FORMER Barrow cricketer has now become an umpire at international level in the next step in his lifelong career.

Mike Burns, 51, born in Barrow-in-Furness, has recently stepped onto the international stage as an umpire for the England and Ireland matches.

He took part in his first match earlier this month.

Burns started his career as a county cricketer for Warwickshire and Somerset, from 1992 until 2005.

He later played for Cumberland and Cornwall in minor counties games.

He acted as wicket keeper and became known for his aggressive style as a batsman.

He also became a coach.

After subsequently training as an umpire, Burns was promoted to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s reserve list in 2012.

In 2016, he was promoted to the full list of the ECB’s umpiring list.

Umpiring on August 1, in the England and Ireland 2nd ODI match, Burns and other officials levelled a charge of foul language during the match against an Irish pacer.

He was joined by umpires David Millns, Alex Wharf, and Martin Saggers.

The match ended with a win from England by four wickets.

In 2017, Mike was honoured with his induction into the Somerset county hall of game after over nine years playing for the team.