Cricket: A matter of opinion has turned into a witch-hunt

I was sitting at my computer recently, looking at the surf forecasts on the internet, when the phone rang. It was a cricket reporter. "Hey Rig, what do you think of Woolmer's comments about how all the umpiring is going in Australia's favour?"

Having noticed it myself and still feeling a little aggrieved about the way the Black Caps' tour went in Australia, I gave my opinion. I have been explaining myself to all and sundry ever since.

It would appear I've upset a few people. 'Umpires intimidated; Warne a manipulator; Gilchrist applying undue pressure,' says Richardson.

My casual comments made headlines in Australia, they've stimulated debate amongst the 'experts' and Aussie radio stations want to talk to me. Well, really they want me to apologise. One smart-arse DJ even suggested I might want to wear dark sunglasses around the Australians for a while.

It is the first time I've really put my neck out in the media and I'll admit it's got me a bit rattled. I've been worried about what the Aussie players might be thinking of me and how upset the umpires are.

Hell, I'm getting attacked and it's not just for missing a few straight ones.

Then I gave myself a slap in the face. "Come on Rig! You're a media man now and show some balls!"

Sure, there are people in some quarters who are upset right now. But who cares, it's my opinion, I stand by it and now I'm paid for it - so get used to it!

For the record this is my opinion. The Australians are a great team full of great players, no question. They have the right to use all their experience and wiles to win cricket matches and that involves getting decisions in their favour.

They do it well and for that I applaud them. Look, get it right - I have no beef with the players but, by God, have they got some umpires in the back pocket!

Bob Woolmer, coach of Pakistan who've just toured Australia, has some stats to prove it.

I have a gut feeling some of our past players reckon it's been going on for ages.

The problem is if you speak out against world champions, you open yourself up as a target.

Remember how we laughed at anyone who accused the All Blacks of the mid-1980s working the rules to their favour or how 'Fitzy' had the refs well on side during the Auckland team's rampant 80s era?

I never performed well against Australia and that bothers me.

I didn't make a lot of friends either but I don't give a damn about that.

So I'm sorry umpires, Aussies and Jim Maxwell if you're upset.

It's just an opinion.

- Herald on Sunday