TALKATIVE know-it-alls are part and parcel of the game of cricket.

Just as well, therefore, that so many umpires are the exact opposite — quiet, understated and very prepared to be the unseen participant.

Mr Douglas Sang Hue, who died at his home in Kingston on August 22 at age 82, exemplified that special breed.

Those who played during the 1960s, 70s and 80s in games umpired by the diminutive Mr Sang Hue knew he was a decisive man, not as a result of anything he said, but because of his actions.

If he thought the batsman was out, his finger went up immediately without a second thought. If he believed the decision should be not out, he remained unmoved. No argument, no debate.

Allied to that decisiveness was undeniable courage, shown up in his consistent refusal to be swayed by non-cricketing considerations.

At a time when home officials were the norm, long before ‘neutral’ umpires became mandatory, and many years before rapidly improving television technology routinely revealed all, Mr Sang Hue gained international fame as the most objective umpire in cricket.

Since Mr Sang Hue’s death, his courage and refusal to be cowed has been highlighted in reference to the famous dismissal of West Indies batsman Mr Basil Butcher at Sabina Park in 1968.

The England wicketkeeper Mr Jim Parks took the catch with the back of his glove resting on the ground.

Partisan and disappointed spectators in the Sabina crowd decided there was too much doubt for Mr Sang Hue to have given the decision against the batsman. They resorted to the throwing of bottles and other missiles, forcing the players from the field and leading to an eventual heavy-handed response from the Police Mobile Reserve.

Any thoughts that Mr Sang Hue was intimidated were soon put to rest.

The little man, just five feet four inches tall, took up his position in the middle, seemingly unaffected when the game resumed less than two hours later.

There was the case six years later at the Queen’s Park Oval when Mr Alvin Kallicharran, with a wonderful century under his belt, walked out of his crease, believing that play had ended for the day.

England captain Mr Tony Greig promptly threw down the stumps and appealed for run out.

Mr Sang Hue, convinced he had no option under the law, lifted the finger.

The decision would subsequently be rescinded.

Sensible backroom diplomacy led to England withdrawing the appeal and Mr Kallicharran resumed his innings the following morning.

For the purposes of historical accuracy, it should be noted that Mr Kallicharran’s return was not Mr Sang Hue’s call.

Those who may feel Mr Sang Hue favoured visitors should think again.

In 1978, he shocked the cricketing world by no-balling the Australian off-spinner Mr Bruce Yardley for throwing in the tour game against Jamaica.

So upset were the Australians — once great admirers of Mr Sang Hue — they insisted he be withdrawn from officiating in the Test series.

No doubt Mr Sang Hue was disappointed. We suspect, though, that having done his job to the best of his ability, he had no regret.

As we say goodbye to Mr Sang Hue, whose funeral service is set for September 13 in Port Royal, we hail not just an outstanding umpire, but a great Jamaican, strong of conviction and unbendingly committed to duty.