Oval Test fiasco 'most testing moment' of my career: Doctrove

Roseau, Dominica, Nov 14 (UNI) Test umpire Billy Doctrove has admitted that the infamous Oval Test fiasco was the 'most testing moment' of his international career but asserted that he would not let the controversy affect his performance in the upcoming ODI series between India and South Africa.

Doctrove, who stood with now-sacked Darrell Hair in the forfeited match between Pakistan and England earlier this year, will officiate in the series between India and South Africa starting November 19.

Doctrove and Hair had accused the Pakistan team of ball-tampering, which ultimately led to the forfeiture of the match in favour of England. Hair was subsquently sacked from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires following an investigation.

Doctrove said the controversy was now behind him and he was looking forward to the next assignment.

''The period has been a very testing time for me, probably the most testing in my career so far,'' Doctrove told the West Indies Cricket Board's official website.

''But as you know, I have always been a positive person and it is my intention to go out there and continue to do what I have been doing and do my best so that I can make myself, my family and my country proud,'' he added.

The umpire also rejected suggestions that the controversy has increased the pressure on him and said he would go into the India-South Africa with a clean slate.

''It is a relief to be back out there and I am looking forward for the opportunity to perform as I have done in the past. I will as usual call on the guidance of the Almighty,'' he said.

''I do not believe that there is any additional pressure placed on me because of what happened at The Oval,'' he explained.

''What has happened has happened. The controversies are all behind me. I consider them as history and you have to be able to take your bruises as our local calypso king said.

''You have to take your bruises in life and get up and fight.

That is exactly what I am doing. As I said, I am happy to be back out there and I will just go out there and do what I have to do,'' the umpire went on to add.

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