Top Australian official backs Hair

SYDNEY, Aug 31 (Reuters) Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland has urged Darrell Hair to continue umpiring following repeated complaints from Pakistan about his role in the ball tampering row.

Sutherland refused to be drawn on the incidents which led to Pakistan forfeiting the final test against England in response to being penalised five runs for ball tampering, but said the Australian official had his full support.

Sutherland said he had personally e-mailed Hair at the height of the controversy and hoped he would continue umpiring despite being under pressure to quit.

''Darrell Hair is a highly-respected international umpire,'' Sutherland told a news conference in Melbourne today.

''I'm sure no matter what happens, whether he continues to umpire at international level or wherever else, he's still got a lot to offer cricket.'' Sutherland's comments echoed the sentiments of Australia's current test players, who are opposed to Pakistan's proposal to abolish the laws on ball tampering.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has called for the existing rules to be scrapped after his captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

Senior Australian players including Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist argue the laws are fine but players must accept the umpire's decision.

Hair's decision to penalise Pakistan for ball tampering has split the cricketing world.

He has been branded a racist in parts of Asia and derided as an attention seeker in Britain but hailed as a hero in Australia for his courage in exposing one of the scourges of the game.

Hair moved to England several years ago but his immediate future there is uncertain after he withdrew from an English county match.

If Hair returned to Australia he could stand in first-class matches and one-day internationals but could not officiate in tests involving Australia because of ICC regulations requiring neutral umpires.

REUTERS PM BS1325