MCC plan to stick with neutral umpires in Test cricket despite questions over talent pool

The MCC cricket committee has played down calls for neutral umpires to be replaced in Test cricket despite widespread criticism throughout the first Ashes Test.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND — AUGUST 03: Umpire Aleem Dar and Umpire Joel Wilson signal out during day three of the 1st Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston on August 03, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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The Marylebone Cricket Club insist neutral Test umpiring is still the best way forward for cricket despite calls to the contrary from former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

Ponting, who sits on the MCC rules panel, said after the opening Ashes Test was dominated by a number of woeful decisions, the use of DRS should see the best umpires officiate in the biggest series regardless of their nationality.

Last week’s Test at Edgbaston saw rookie West Indian umpire Joel Wilson and Pakistan’s Aleem Dar have 10 decisions between them overturned by DRS.

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Umpires (L-R) Aleem Dar and Joel Wilson came under heavy criticism for their performances in the first Ashes Test. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Wilson, in only his 13th Test, equalled the record for reversals when eight out his decisions were successfully appealed by the players.

However, after a meeting at Lord’s on Monday between MCC chairman Mike Gatting, assistant secretary John Stephenson and panel members Shane Warne and Kumar Sangakkara, it was agreed that increasing the numbers of elite level umpires across the world was the best way forward.

Seven of the 12 elite level panel are from Australia and England meaning they ineligible to stand in the Ashes and Stephenson believes that lopsided membership needs to be addressed.

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“It was obviously a bit of a focus after the last match,” said Stephenson. “Ricky Ponting mentioned the prospect of bringing back non-neutral umpires and it is something being discussed by the ICC Cricket Committee as well. “But the feeling is neutrality still works.

“Unfortunately there is quite an imbalance with ICC elite-level umpiring panel where you have certain umpires adjudicating in certain series.

England captain Joe Root holds up the ball for umpire Joel Wilson to smell during day four of the first Ashes Test. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

“But we think it’s time for the base to be broadened and to train up more umpires to get to the elite levels.

“Overall we think neutrality does work. But with DRS and technology maybe it’s something we need look at in the future.

“In one-day cricket we have one non-neutral umpire standing and in Twenty20 we have it as well. Maybe further down the line it can be a thing.”

Originally published as MCC plan to stick with neutral umpires in Test cricket despite questions over talent pool