Bucknor to miss Australian series because of 'travel issue'

[Desi Cartman]

Controversial umpire Steve Bucknor's surprise return to Australia has been cancelled because of what the International Cricket Council (ICC) describes as "travel difficulties". South Africa's Rudi Koertzen will take Bucknor's place in Thursday's first Test between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane and the second Test in Adelaide. Jamaica's Bucknor was dropped by the ICC for the third Test between Australia and India in Perth in January this year after his poor performance in the tense second Test in Sydney. Indian officials were furious after their spin bowler Harbhajan Singh was handed a three-Test ban for racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. Harbhajan's ban was later changed to a fine for a downgraded charge of using abusive and insulting language. With Bucknor facing criticism for some poor decisions during the Sydney Test, India started making noises about quitting their Australian tour and going home. The ICC denied at the time that their decision to remove the out-of-form Bucknor from the Perth Test was due to pressure from Indian officials. In a surprise move last week, the ICC had announced the 62-year-old Bucknor would partner fellow West Indian Billy Doctrove in Australia's series against the Kiwis. But the ICC said in a statement on Tuesday: "Due to travel difficulties, Steve Bucknor ... will not be officiating in the two-match series between Australia and New Zealand due to begin on 20 November. "He will be replaced by Rudi Koertzen ... for both Tests.":two_thumbs_up::two_thumbs_up::two_thumbs_up:

[Guest Hiten.]

BCCI, indeed is quite influential. Saale immigration office mein bhi pahuch gaye :cantstop:

[h4te]

Ricky Ponting must be crying now. He thought he had the series in the kitty with Bucknor's appointment....

[Kohum]

Controversial umpire Steve Bucknor's surprise return to Australia has been cancelled because of what the International Cricket Council (ICC) describes as "travel difficulties". South Africa's Rudi Koertzen will take Bucknor's place in Thursday's first Test between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane and the second Test in Adelaide. Jamaica's Bucknor was dropped by the ICC for the third Test between Australia and India in Perth in January this year after his poor performance in the tense second Test in Sydney. Indian officials were furious after their spin bowler Harbhajan Singh was handed a three-Test ban for racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. Harbhajan's ban was later changed to a fine for a downgraded charge of using abusive and insulting language. With Bucknor facing criticism for some poor decisions during the Sydney Test, India started making noises about quitting their Australian tour and going home. The ICC denied at the time that their decision to remove the out-of-form Bucknor from the Perth Test was due to pressure from Indian officials. In a surprise move last week, the ICC had announced the 62-year-old Bucknor would partner fellow West Indian Billy Doctrove in Australia's series against the Kiwis. But the ICC said in a statement on Tuesday: "Due to travel difficulties, Steve Bucknor ... will not be officiating in the two-match series between Australia and New Zealand due to begin on 20 November. "He will be replaced by Rudi Koertzen ... for both Tests.":two_thumbs_up::two_thumbs_up::two_thumbs_up:

Ricky or Benson would be thinking - where's steve when you need him :giggle:

[Desi Cartman]

There goes Symo's Man of the series award :P

[Holysmoke]

Koertzen isnt much better... ask Sanga...

[Willow_on_fire]

Koertzen isnt much better... ask Sanga...

yeah...but could'nt be worse than Bucknor...that guy just nailed Indians at crucial times...:finger:

[Dinx - the Jinx]

Why dont we call up Cheeka to offer VRS to Bucknor?

[hindu-Stan]

Dam now AUS will play only with 11 players... Dam you.