Melbourne, Jun 26 (IANS): Former Australian fast bowler Paul Reiffel Wednesday expressed his excitement on being promoted to ICC's elite panel of umpires.

Speaking about his promotion, Reiffel said: "When I first started umpiring after retiring from first-class cricket, my aim was to reach the highest level of international umpiring. It always seemed a long way off. So, it's very rewarding and exciting to achieve the goal I set myself when I first started umpiring."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Reiffel's elevation Tuesday following several strong seasons as one of the leading umpires in Australia. Reiffel joins fellow Australians Rod Tucker, Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis on the panel of 12 umpires.

"I'd like to thank Cricket Australia (CA) for their support throughout my umpiring career. The umpiring system and pathway in Australia is very good, which is evidenced by the quality of Australian umpires," the 47-year-old, who has officiated in four Tests, 30 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and nine Twenty20 Internationals, added.

The other eight elite panel umpires are: Aleem Dar (Pakistan), Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Marais Erasmus (South Africa), Ian Gould (England), Tony Hill (New Zealand), Richard Illingworth (England), Richard Kettleborough (England), Nigel Llong (England).