Bucknor pays the price

8 January 2008

Steve Bucknor will not stand in the third Test in Perth following his role in the Harbhajan affair

The International Cricket Council has replaced umpire Steve Bucknor with Billy Bowden for next week's third Test between Australia and India in Perth.

India called for Bucknor's removal following a number a controversial decisions in their ill-tempered second Test defeat in Sydney last week.

The decision will appease India, who have halted their tour schedule following a decision to ban spinner Harbhajan Singh for three Tests for racially abusing Andrew Symonds.

The ICC initially stated Bucknor would stand as scheduled in Perth but called a press conference in Melbourne to announce the change on Tuesday morning.

There had been fears the remaining two Tests may not be played as India protested at the perceived injustices of Harbhajan’s ban – against which they have launched an appeal – and umpiring standards.

West Indian veteran Bucknor is the world’s most experienced umpire, having stood in a record 120 Tests.

India have lodged an appeal against Harbhajan Singh's ban

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His Sydney counterpart Mark Benson, who has also been caught up in the storm, was not due to stand in Perth.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed insists the governing body are not backing down to India’s request but believe Bucknor’s presence would now be counter-productive.

Speed said: “It is accepted that Steve, and his on-field colleague Mark Benson, did not have good games by their very high standards and we feel that given the added pressure and attention Steve's presence would have at the third Test, it is better for the match and for Steve himself if he does not take part.

“It is important to stress that Steve has not been replaced due to any representations made by any team or individuals.

“The ICC remains the sole body responsible for the appointment of umpires and no team has the right to object to any appointment.

“The decision by the ICC to replace Steve for this match was made in the best interests of the game and the series.”

Speed also confirmed the ICC has received India’s official appeal documents in relation to Harbhajan’s suspension.

Malcolm Speed says India had no influence on the decision

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Harbhajan was found guilty of calling Australia all-rounder Symonds a “monkey”.

Australia’s Brad Hogg will also face a charge of breaching the ICC’s code of conduct after India complained he abused one of their players.

The ICC announced that their chief referee Ranjan Madugalle will travel to Australia ahead of the third Test in an attempt to broker a peace deal between home captain Ricky Ponting and India counterpart Anil Kumble.

Kumble accused the Australians of lacking sportsmanship after the Sydney encounter.

Speed added: “We are bringing Ranjan in as a facilitator in an effort to prevent any ill-feeling that may have been present at the Sydney Test from rolling over to Perth.

“Ranjan is our chief referee and a highly respected figure within the game. He will remind the captains and other players of their responsibilities to conduct themselves in line with the spirit of cricket.”

Speed added that a commissioner will be appointed within the next 24 hours to hear Harbhajan's appeal, but when that will take place is still to be confirmed.

Harbhajan will be free to play in Perth if it has not been heard before the match is due to start on January 16.