Port of Spain (Trinidad), July 8 (IANS): Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (T&TCB) President Azim Bassarath has heaped praise on Joel Wilson who is on the verge of making his Test debut as an umpire.

Bassarath described Wilson as an inspiration to a new generation of umpires as he prepares to officiate in the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa from July 21 to 25 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, reports CMC.

Wilson's Test debut marks another exciting chapter in his career as a representative of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on the International Panel of Umpires and Referees.

"We have always known that Joel has the capability to rise up the ranks in umpiring as he has always strove for the highest professional standards. He must also be commended for devoting time to enhance the capabilities of other umpires through mentoring and training programmes in his native country," said Bassarath.

Wilson, 48, has officiated in 21 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 16 Twenty20 Internationals. Recently he was in action as one of 20 umpires selected to do duty at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

"Joel serves as an inspiration to the new generation of umpires coming through the ranks who will now have someone to look up to and become motivated to emulate him which we think is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when one puts their mind to achieving their desired goals," said Bassarath.

Wilson is expected to preside over a very competitive encounter between a resurgent Bangladesh playing on their home turf against the world's No.1 ranked Test side South Africa.