My sacking is a sad day for Umpires: Bucknor

Jamaica, Jan 15 (UNI) Sacked Umpire Steve Bucknor, in the eye of a storm for some crucial poor decisions in the second Test of the India-Australia Test series in Sydney, today questioned the reasoning behind his removal while admitting that he made only couple of wrong decisions.

''I am disappointed that I am not continuing the tour between Australia and India, in Australia. But I respect ICC's authority in the matter," the veteran of 120 Tests said in a statement released to media here.

''To err is human, to forgive divine, as the old saying goes,'' Bucknor,who has officiated in record five World finals said.

Describing the decision as a sad day for umpires Bucknor, however said he respected ICC's authority in the matter.

Bucknor maintained that he was being made scapegoat for making just two wrong decisions. ''I consider it a sad day to see umpires sidelined after making only two wrong decisions out of a record of 35 appeals,'' he said.

Bucknor's crucial decisions like not giving Andrew Symonds was out caught behind when he was on 30 and then giving Rahil Dravid caught behind in the second innings totally changed the outcome of the game leaving the Indians fuming and frustrated.

The ICC then buckled under BCCI's pressure and replaced Bucknor with New Zealand's Billy Bowden for the third Test.

UNI HSB AB RN1656