David Shepherd's three jumps

[DomainK]

He and many others from the old days used to jump thrice whenever the score was 11/1 or 111/1 or 222/2...something like this. It appears there was s superstition that such numbers are not good and three jumps were to negate the evil. Anyone knows where and how this superstition in Cricket started? Whats the history? Is there a story behind it?

[graphic23]

From then on, Shepherd became a fixture on the international scene, his round figure instantly recognisable by players and spectators alike. Perhaps his most famous quirk was his habit of lifting one foot off the ground whenever the score reached 111, or multiples thereof, they being regarded as unlucky by Shepherd in a ritual dating back to his childhood cricket team days. The number 111 is known as the "Nelson"[1], and is considered unlucky towards the Batsman. This superstition has been the major focus of many pieces of sporting artwork, including a statue dedicated to him near Lords' Cricket Ground in London. Also famous was his tendency to shake his hand while signalling fours; to this day, many fans in cricket crowds mimic his action while celebrating fours.

David Shepherd was an awesome guy, btw. To me he's been the quintessential umpire of the 90s.

[Cricketics]

I taped his last game specially because i know he would recieve a standing ovation. Here it is. I uploaded it a while back. hit play - http://indiancricketfans.com/showthread.php?t=12712&highlight=shepherd

[CSK Fan]

Nelson has nothing to do with wickets. Its only whe the score is 111 or its multiple. 111 is considered to be unluck for batsmen as it signifies 3 stumps without bails. The name 'Nelson' is derived from Admiral Nelson who while dying had only one eye, one arm and one leg(this is factually incorrect but the myth persists).

[Mr. Wicket]

As per Shep's autobiography (an excellent and very honest read, worth buying), it's from an old Devonian superstition that any multiples of 111 signified bad luck, and that lifting one leg off the ground would avoid that.

[DomainK]

Thanks guys.