Bucknor has McGrath sympathy

Glenn McGrath © Getty Images

Former Australia pace bowler Glenn McGrath believes that the ICC has made a mistake by replacing embattled umpire Steve Bucknor for the third Test between Australia and India.

Bucknor made a number of questionable decisions during Australia's dramatic victory in the second Test at the SCG and the ICC responded by dumping him in favour of New Zealander Billy Bowden for next week's clash in Perth.

However, McGrath does not agree with the decision to replace the 61-year-old.

"I think it is sad and disappointing that it gets to the stage where you have a bad game and they're calling for your head," McGrath said.

"I have a lot of respect for the umpires and I think Steve's very good and I've got a lot of time for him.

"What is there? Eight international umpires on the panel? And if a couple of teams aren't happy with umpires then all of a sudden you have got one to choose from.

Umpire Steve Bucknor will not officiate during the third Test

"I think that it's ridiculous. That's why we have the ICC to control things, rather than individual countries."

McGrath called on India to forget the off-field politics and start focusing on cricket again after announcing that they would continue their tour.

"It's unbelievable where it's got to. People have got to concentrate on actually playing the game," he added.

"If you're unhappy with a few decisions, which have been there since the first ball was bowled in Test cricket - that's part of cricket.

"You have to be able to handle that that and move on. Let's worry about playing in the middle, performing well, and if you lose so be it.

"Move to the next game and improve on the areas you need to work on."

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has also slammed the move to remove Bucknor.

Arthur branded the entire situation "a mess" and was firmly against the decision.

"If we don't like a particular umpire can we also have him removed?" said Arthur.

"They have set a precedent and I don't know if it's a particularly good one. It looks a bit of a mess."