Bucknor's umpire group lends support after Test ouster

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The West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) ripped the International Cricket Council (ICC) for firing umpire Steve Bucknor from next week's India-Australia Test in Perth.

West Indian umpire Bucknor, who made crucial errors last week in the second Test of the series at Sydney, was dropped by the ICC after a protest from India officials.

In a letter to Bucknor made public on Wednesday, the umpire group lent support to the banished decision maker.

"We do not support the decision of the ICC to replace you as the umpire for the third test as it sends the wrong signal to those countries that are awash with cash, power and influence that they can get what they want as a result of their status," the WICUA's letter said.

"This is wrong and I hope that the ICC will have discussions regarding this decision with a view not to repeat it in the future."

Former Australian fast bowler Glen McGrath, former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd and former Australian coach John Buchannan are among those who criticised the ICC and urged that Bucknor be replaced for the third Test.

"We are fully supporting you as one of our own that has been at the forefront of world cricket for nearly 20 years and have made us proud," the letter said.

"It is unfortunate that these incidents have happened in this test match but you have been bold enough to accept your responsibility and apologized which is indicative of your character and strength as a person.