Cricket Blog

In what is an about turn by the ICC, controversial umpire and the main man who cost India the Sydney test, Steve Bucknor has been removed from the third match to be played in Perth. He has been replaced by Umpire Billy Bowden. The ICC had refused to remove Bucknor in earlier news reports, however, it seems that they have had a reality check in the last few hours.

ICC Chief Executive, Mr Malcolm Speed had the following statement to make:

“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.”

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South African Mike Proctor will be the Match Referee for the Test series between India and Australia. Mark Benson and Billy Bowden will be the umpires for the Melbourne Test starting Dec 26. Steve Bucknor will join Benson for the second Test in Sydney on Jan 2. Bucknor and Asad Ruaf will then take over the third Test in Perth from Jan 16 and Rauf will be joined by Bowden for the final Test match in Adelaide Jan 24.

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The following umpires and match referees will officiate the ODI and Test series:

ODI Series

Match Referee - Roshan Mahanama

Umpires

First Three ODIs - Ian Gould and local umpires

Last Two ODIs - Billy Doctrove and local umpires

Test Series

Match Referee - Ranjan Madugalle

Umpires

First Match - Simon Taufel and Billy Doctrove

Second Match -  Billy Doctrove and Billy Bowden

Third Match - Simone Taufel and Billy Bowden

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