Leading Australian umpire resigns

Press, 9 December 1982, Page 40

Leading Australian umpire resigns

NZPA Melbourne The leading Australian cricket umpire, Robin Bailhache, has resigned from the test panel after controversial incidents in last week’s second test between Australia and England in Brisbane. Mr Bailhache, aged 45, - who has. handled 24 tests inS an eight-year span, had given no prior indication he was considering standing down. “I have given my reasons in a letter to the Australian . Cricket Board and will not comment until the letter has been received by the Board,”

he said in Melbourne yesterday. Mr Baihache was the centre of attention during the second test, which Australia won by seven wickets. He had warned the Australian fast bowler, Jeff Thomson, for intimidatory bowling after; a series of shortpitched deliveries, and became engaged in discussion with the Australian captain Greg Chappell, over the incident. Mr Bailhache was also strongly criticised when he upheld an appeal for caught behind against David Hookes in the first innings whjm the

young Australian was on 28. Critics said that television replays of the incident showed Hookes had missed the ball. Despite his seniority, Mr Bailhache has been bypassed for the third test, with Mel Johnson and Dick French appointed for the fixture. The secretary of the Victorian Cricket Association, Ken Jacobs, said yesterday that Mr Bailhache was completely drained after the Brisbane test: “He was very run down by the time play had ended,” he said. Mr Bailhache said he

would still- be available for all other first-class matches, including the one-day internationals, and would review his cricket future at the end of the season. "I didn’t agree on a couple of incidents which happened this season, and look forward to the confidence and support of others engaged in the sport,” he said. “As I feel I haven’t been getting that support, I decided to just back off. I’ve had a good run and it’s not the end of the world, because there are plenty of other umpires around. “I’ve under pressure

this year, and I’m not happy about events which suggest there is a lack of confidence in my ability.” Each captain is required to submit a report on umpiring standards after a test, and it is believed there was criticism of Mr Bailhache after the Brisbane test. Mr Bailhache began his international career during the 1974-75 season and handled tests involving Australia and England, the West Indies, Pakistan, India and New Zealand. He made his first-class debut in 1971-72 in South ■Australia^, where he handled

17 Sheffield Shield matches before transferring to Melbourne in 1976. He has umpired more than 60 first-class and one-day fixtures and averaged three tests a season. “I am quite happy to officiate at any of the one-day games, and am pleased to see I’m down for a Benson and Hedges match, but I will no longer be available for a five-day test,” said Mr Bailhache. “I would still like to continue umpiring, but if I find I don’t have the same desire to be at the top, my pride in my ability will force a decision.”