Julian Hunte ... What worries us is whether the action of the ICC in the case of Mr. Bucknor might create even more problems for the ICC and international cricket down the line. - File

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

DR. JULIAN Hunte has lambasted the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its decision to replace Jamaica and West Indies elite umpire Steve Bucknor for the third Test between Australia and India at Perth.

Dr. Hunte, the president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), has described the ICC's decision as 'extreme' and believes it sets a dangerous precedent.

"There is no question that even the best umpires make mistakes," Hunte said in a letter to ICC president Ray Mali.

"They are human, and there are circumstances which may affect their judgment. What worries us is whether the action of the ICC in the case of Mr. Bucknor might create even more problems for the ICC and international cricket down the line."

Dr. Hunte also referred to the ICC's reaction three years ago, when the West Indies, on tour of Australia, lodged a formal protest about the substandard umpiring.

"The ICC's reaction by CEO Dave Richardson was to acknowledge that errors were made, but to insist that 'the overall standard of umpiring has improved in recent years, particularly with the advent of the elite panel,"' Hunte said.

No difference

"It would be interesting to know what made this situation any different. The umpires on the 2005 tour, where it was agreed that mistakes were made, included Billy Bowden, Mr. Bucknor's replacement for the third Test. Mike Procter was the match referee for that series."

Hunte has asked the ICC president to provide information to the WICB to enable it to consider what action it might want to take.

It has asked for copies of all communication between the ICC and Bucknor, the ICC and any other parties, transcripts of news releases, statements and news conferences on this matter, the match referee's report on the umpiring during the first two Tests between India and Australia, and any other relevant documents.

Bucknor angered India's players, fans, and officials with a series of critical errors in the second Test in Sydney, where the Australians won with just nine minutes to spare on the final day last Sunday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India immediately protested Bucknor's appointment for the third Test.\