Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 22, 2006 17:51:36 GMT
Australian umpire Darrell Hair insists he has no regrets over his decision to call Pakistan for ball-tampering in last week's fourth Test with England at The Oval.
The 63-year-old stood by his decision, but was quick to add he would accept the findings of the enquiry if he were found to be in the wrong.
Hair has received widespread support from figures within the game in Australia and has also been defended by the ICC, the sport's governing body.
He remained unapologetic for his actions and was adamant he would meet any charges levelled against him head on.
"People who know me know I would not take action unless I really thought it was necessary," Hair told the Herald Sun.
"I stand by what I have done, but if anything comes out at the inquiry that proves me incorrect, I would accept that too.
"The International Cricket Council has given me outstanding support and it has really been appreciated."
Following the rumpus at The Oval, Pakistan declared that they would not permit the Australian to stand in any future match of theirs.
However, Hair - who also caused ructions with Sri Lanka after calling their star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing in 1995 - went on to dismiss any notion of ill-feeling between himself and the sub-continent nations and warned he would not be forced out of the game.
"If people want to try and force me out of the game it has to be done in some shape or form that I am unaware of because I am contracted to do a job and I know I am doing it quite well at the moment, so far as the ins and outs are concerned," he continued.
"If other people have issues they want to use to force me out it will be an interesting battle.
"That is not something that is an issue for me. There is no problem with me and the subcontinent.
"I have umpired quite a lot in the subcontinent over the last couple of years and when the ICC have asked me to do a job I try and do it to the best of my ability.
"I have always taken a lot of pride in my performance and while I am doing the best job I possibly can I am going to continue.
"The hard knocks along the way sort out the tough from the weak. At this stage everything is still fine.
"The support I have had comes from a wide range of people and it's not surprising to me that everyone seems to understand me.
"I am just going to go home and relax."
The 63-year-old stood by his decision, but was quick to add he would accept the findings of the enquiry if he were found to be in the wrong.
Hair has received widespread support from figures within the game in Australia and has also been defended by the ICC, the sport's governing body.
He remained unapologetic for his actions and was adamant he would meet any charges levelled against him head on.
"People who know me know I would not take action unless I really thought it was necessary," Hair told the Herald Sun.
"I stand by what I have done, but if anything comes out at the inquiry that proves me incorrect, I would accept that too.
"The International Cricket Council has given me outstanding support and it has really been appreciated."
Following the rumpus at The Oval, Pakistan declared that they would not permit the Australian to stand in any future match of theirs.
However, Hair - who also caused ructions with Sri Lanka after calling their star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing in 1995 - went on to dismiss any notion of ill-feeling between himself and the sub-continent nations and warned he would not be forced out of the game.
"If people want to try and force me out of the game it has to be done in some shape or form that I am unaware of because I am contracted to do a job and I know I am doing it quite well at the moment, so far as the ins and outs are concerned," he continued.
"If other people have issues they want to use to force me out it will be an interesting battle.
"That is not something that is an issue for me. There is no problem with me and the subcontinent.
"I have umpired quite a lot in the subcontinent over the last couple of years and when the ICC have asked me to do a job I try and do it to the best of my ability.
"I have always taken a lot of pride in my performance and while I am doing the best job I possibly can I am going to continue.
"The hard knocks along the way sort out the tough from the weak. At this stage everything is still fine.
"The support I have had comes from a wide range of people and it's not surprising to me that everyone seems to understand me.
"I am just going to go home and relax."