Darrell Hair eyeing his comeback to top level after Bucknor saga

Calling for the training of umpires at the top level, Australian umpire Darrell Hair has expressed his desire to return to the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel of umpires.

Sydney, Jan 9 : Calling for the training of umpires at the top level, Australian umpire Darrell Hair has expressed his desire to return to the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel of umpires.

"The desire to come back is strong," said Hair, adding, "I would love to make it back to the top level again."

His statement assumes significance following the sacking of umpire Steve Bucknor from the third Test scheduled to be played at Perth.

Hair was dismissed from the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel of umpires after controversies surrounded The Oval Test in 2006.

According to smh.com.au, Hair could fill the breach, as he has completed a management course at the University of NSW as part of a deal struck with the ICC.

Taking into consideration the shortage of quality umpires and Hair's ranking as the World's No.2 at the time of his demotion, the ICC might again turn to him, according to cricket analysts.

Suggesting ways to improve standard of umpiring, Hair said "the training of umpires at the top level could also help improve standards over all."

Calling on the ICC to embrace an umpiring referral system to relieve pressure on the game's decision-makers, he said: "I feel for Steve."

"In a way, it's probably the best for him to stand down and relieve the pressure a little bit," he added.

"There were a few unfortunate decisions made, and I know for a fact that the people involved would not have enjoyed making such errors," Hair said.

"But the fact is those mistakes have been made, and rather than dwell on the negative, there is an opportunity to assess the situation and find the best ways forward," he added.

ANI