Umpire Mark Benson has denied walking out of Australia’s second Test against the West Indies over the controversial new video review system, and quashed speculation he had quit the sport.
The Englishman said his departure after the first day had ”nothing whatsoever” to do with having a decision overturned on review, and rejected reports of a row.
”I would … like to state clearly that my withdrawal had nothing whatsoever to do with the decision review system,” he said, according to an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement released on Tuesday.
”I remain a proponent of the use of technology as it helps the reduction of the obvious umpiring errors. The media speculation about the so-called disagreement in the umpires’ room is unfounded and totally untrue.”
Benson, who has a history of heart problems, said he left the match for health reasons and would undergo medical tests. However, he admitted his position on the elite umpire panel was under review.
The 51-year-old departed after having a not-out decision against the West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul overruled by video umpire Asad Rauf on the first day.
”Following my withdrawal from the Adelaide Test and the media speculation about my future, I would like to clarify that I have not resigned as an elite panel umpire,” he said.
”I had withdrawn after the first day’s play as I felt that due to my general health, I was not up to the task and felt it was in the best interests of the game, the ICC and myself that I step down and hand over to my colleague on the elite panel, Asad Rauf.”
Benson said that after the medical tests, he and the ICC would ”discuss my future and my position as an ICC elite umpire”.
The system, which allows teams two unsuccessful challenges per innings, was introduced for New Zealand’s home series against Pakistan late last month and is being used for the first time in Australia. — AFP
