Billy Taylor helped Hampshire to win the 2009 Friends Provident Trophy

Former Hampshire bowler Billy Taylor has revealed his ambition to one day umpire a Test match at Lord's.

Taylor, 33, who retired from cricket in 2009, was this week appointed to the first-class umpires' reserve list by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

"I'm going to be umpiring Second XI cricket," Taylor told BBC Radio Solent. "But an absolute dream for me would be to umpire an international or a Test.

"I would love to one day walk out as the umpire for a final at Lord's."

The Southampton-born fast bowler made 54 first-class match appearances playing for Hampshire, Sussex and Middlesex, taking 31 wickets, including the first ever hat-trick at The Rose Bowl in Hampshire's match against Middlesex in 2006.

But, while Taylor feels nostalgic about his playing career, he is enjoying his new role as an umpire.

"The first game I umpired was Hampshire's second team versus Southampton University," he said.

"I bowled the first ever ball at the Nursery Ground, so it was quite funny to then umpire my first game there.

"It made me feel at ease to walk out onto a pitch I knew and I felt right at home.

"It was a big learning curve and it gave me lots of confidence.

"I do miss playing in front of the fans but I am enjoying every minute of being an umpire."

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