Australia blames it on Asian bloc

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia on Sunday said it still regarded sacked umpire Darrell Hair very highly and was ready to welcome him with open arms any time. "Darrell Hair is without doubt one of the world's top umpires. Subject to the practicalities, subject to the process and subject to what he wants to do, Cricket Australia would welcome him back with open arms. He is one of the best going around," CA spokesman Peter Young said.

However, CA was awaiting clarification from ICC over whether Darrell Hair would be allowed to officiate in Pura Cup and other domestic matches in Australia. Umpire selector Dick French, also a friend and mentor of Hair, said he would be happy for him to umpire in domestic matches, providing the move was approved by CA. "Darrell Hair is very highly regarded in Australian ranks," said French, who umpired in 19 Test matches and 57 one-day clashes in a decade-long international career.

Meanwhile, the Australians have responded with a mixture of disbelief and anger to the ICC's decision labelling it 'tragic' and 'disgusting'. Players, umpires, officials and media were united in their condemnation of the ICC's decision.

"It's disgusting," former Australian Test captain Neil Harvey said. "Darrell Hair is probably the best around but it shows you the influence of the Asian nations." Bob Simpson said Hair had been punished for taking a stand on issues which other umpires were unwilling to address. "It's just a tragedy," Simpson said. "Darrell Hair has shown great courage in making decisions which other umpires are not brave enough to make."

Australian media said Hair's sacking was proof that the Asian bloc were using their numbers to seize control of world cricket. "Whether it be chasing the rights to host a World Cup, getting officials in important positions or getting rid of an umpire, the Asian bloc gets what it wants," wrote the Sunday Telegraph's chief cricket Robert Craddock. "Darrell Hair 's axing sets a chilling precedent, as other umpires will now be running scared of offending any or all of the four subcontinental nations...who might, at times, loathe each other, but invariably vote together on important issues."
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