Cricket Australia is delighted to announce that Sam Nogajski has made his Test Match Umpiring debut in the match between Bangladesh and Ireland at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
This milestone marks the culmination of an exceptional umpiring journey that began in the 2006–07 season, when Nogajski was first appointed to the Tasmania State & Territory Umpire Panel. He made his List-A debut in December 2010, followed by his First-Class debut in November 2011. Nogajski’s consistent performance and dedication earned him a place on the National Umpire Panel in the 2012–13 season.
Nogajski has gained valuable international experience through umpiring exchanges in New Zealand, South Africa, and India, where he stood in several First-Class matches. His international career took off with his Men’s T20 International debut in February 2017, followed by his One Day International debut in October of the same year. In 2020, he was appointed to the Under-19 World Cup, where he had the honour of officiating the Final as an on-field umpire.
To date, Nogajski has officiated in 23 One Day Internationals and 33 T20 Internationals, including his recent appointment to the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Domestically, he has stood in 78 First-Class matches, including an impressive seven Sheffield Shield Finals—second only to one other Australian umpire in terms of appearances. His List-A record includes 83 matches, five of which were Domestic Finals, and he has also officiated 100 Big Bash League matches. Notably, he holds the record for the most BBL Finals officiated on-field, with seven, plus two additional appearances as TV Umpire—making it nine Finals in the competition’s 14-year history.
Nogajski’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. He is the proud recipient of the Cricket Australia Umpire Award for three consecutive seasons, a testament to his consistency, professionalism, and the high regard in which he is held by the cricketing community.
Luke O’Brien, Cricket Australia’s Match Officials Manager, shared his excitement: “Sam’s Test debut is a proud moment for all of us. His journey has been marked by integrity, consistency, and a deep love for the game. He’s earned the respect of players and peers alike, and we couldn’t be happier to see him take this next step.
“Cricket Tasmania should be applauded for the role they have played in getting Sam to his Test Debut. We also hope that Monique, Oliver and Maddy are watching on proudly and we thank them for the sacrifices they have made for him to get to this point”.
Cricket Australia congratulates Sam on this well-deserved achievement and wishes him all the best as he steps onto the field for his first Test Match. His story is an inspiration to aspiring umpires across the country.
Nogajski is appointed on-field to the Second Test Match between Bangladesh and Ireland at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Following this series, he will travel to India to officiate in the three-match One Day International Series between the hosts and South Africa.
First Test – Bangladesh v Ireland
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
On-Field Umpires: Sam Nogajski & Ahsan Raza
TV Umpire: Richard Illingworth
Fourth Umpire: Tanvir Ahmed
Match Referee: Andy Pycroft