Test umpire Hair drops out

Darrell Hair has resigned from the International Cricket Council's elite panel of umpires to take up a new position in Australia.

The 55-year-old will become executive officer of the New South Wales Umpires and Scorers Association in his homeland following his decision to step down from his role with the ICC on Friday.

Hair had only returned to the elite panel in March following a near two-year absence when he was removed following the ball-tampering row during The Oval Test between Pakistan and England in August 2006.

However, after umpiring just two Tests between England and New Zealand, he announced plans to step down to take up his new role on September 1, despite being contracted to the ICC until October 31.

It spells the end of an eventful two years for Hair following events at The Oval when he penalised Pakistan five runs and allowed England to select a different ball in the fourth and final Test of the 2006 Test series.

Pakistan were furious with the decision and refused to return to the field after the tea interval, leading to England being awarded the match by Hair and fellow official Billy Doctrove.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was later cleared of ball-tampering charges, while Hair began a racial discrimination claim against the ICC, but later dropped the case. He then undertook an ICC rehabilitation programme before his return to the elite panel.