Waugh calls for umpiring rethink

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has called for the concept of neutral umpires to be abandoned in Test cricket. In light of recent umpiring controversy, particularly highlighted in the ongoing Australia-India series, Waugh believes that the best umpires should be utilized regardless of nationality.

“The world’s No. 1 umpire for the past four years is Simon Taufel from Sydney and he should be out in the middle making the crucial decisions under pressure for this is what the best aspire to,” Waugh stated in his article in the Daily Telegraph.

Waugh acknowledged the need for neutral umpires in the past, but believes that technology and cameras have improved to the point where accountability is less of an issue and transparency is easier to enforce. He made reference to the second Test between Australia and India, where there were four shocking errors made by umpires on the opening day.

Ricky Ponting was given not out by Mark Benson when he had nicked a Sourav Ganguly delivery down the legside, but was later given out lbw by the same umpire after he had inside edged the ball onto pad. Steve Bucknor called Andrew Symonds not out despite a sizable edge through to the wicketkeeper, and the same batsman was reprieved by the third umpire Bruce Oxenford when he seemed to be have been stumped.

“To have at least four obvious errors in one day is not bad luck,” Waugh said, “just inadequate concentration.”