Cricket: Umpire spurns role as sightscreen

Forget the MCC coaching manual, a pair of umpire's trousers have dominated discussions on the eve of the second test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka starting in Wellington today.

In a rare show of sartorial defiance, umpire Darrell Hair has rejected New Zealand's suggestion that he and colleague Steve Bucknor change into lighter-colored strides to make it easier for batsmen to sight the ball.

The strange request was sparked after New Zealand's first test difficulties with Sri Lankan fast-bowler Lasith Malinga, who's extreme round-arm action unwittingly turned the umpires into sightscreens.

The officials agreed to remove their dark-red ties at Napier, and on the final day Bucknor even tied a white jersey around his waist like an apron in a bid to assist New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming with his vision.

However, Hair yesterday baulked at the practice, telling the New Zealand Press Association that he was prepared to take off his tie if requested, but that his trousers were sacrosanct - a non-negotiable part of his kit.

"We're told what to wear by the ICC [International Cricket Council], it's part of our gear and that's what we are wearing," said Hair.

"It's all about adaptability. We're talking test cricket here so we can't just change our clothing for one bowler then come off and change it again when someone else is on. I can understand their concerns but we all have to overcome difficulties at some stage of our life, so in some ways it is a test of character."

It's not yet known whether Bucknor will follow suit and dig in his toes, but Hair said he wouldn't be wearing a jersey as an apron either.

"I'll hold a jersey there [around the waist] but I'm not going to be wrapping myself up.

"I've got no problem with taking the tie off, but how far are we going to go ... next thing they'll want me to take the blue band off my hat."

The stance might come as an early psychological blow for the New Zealanders, as Fleming has already made a great deal out of the issue, repeating several times during the Napier after-match press conference that his team simply could not see Malinga.

Sri Lankan coach John Dyson has played on New Zealand's concerns, saying his selectors were well aware of Malinga's surprise factor when they picked him to tour.

"He was chosen because he does bowl quickly, he's a little bit unorthodox and guys have trouble picking him up," he said. "When he bowls there's always something happening. It always looks like a chance there could be a wicket.

"We see guys in the nets in Sri Lanka all the time who get hit because they don't see it. We've seen it in the middle with Australia, South Africa and now New Zealand - he is very difficult to pick up."

New Zealand have struggled at the Basin Reserve in recent times, losing to both Pakistan and South Africa last summer and escaping almost certain defeat against Australia last month.

Adding more spice to the contest is a suggestion from groundsman Trevor Jackson that the pitch will provide some assistance early-on for the pacemen, something the under-powered New Zealand attack will relish.

The teams


New Zealand:

Stephen Fleming (captain), James Marshall, Craig Cumming, Hamish Marshall, Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Franklin, Paul Wiseman, Chris Martin.

Sri Lanka (from):

Marvan Atapattu (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Shantha Kalavithigoda, Upul Chandana, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasitha Malinga, Ruchira Perera, Rangana Herath.

Umpires: Darrell Hair (Australia), Steve Bucknor (West Indies).