Umpires Mark Benson (left) and Steve Bucknor request a third-umpire decision at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor has agreed to be replaced by New Zealand's Billy Bowden for the next Test between Australia and India. - AP

MELBOURNE (CMC):

THE INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday replaced top-rated West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor for next week's third Test between Australia and India.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told a news conference that New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden would stand in the Jamaican's place, following widespread criticism of Bucknor's performance in last week's second Test at Sydney.

"Steve's presence was becoming an issue and he accepts that this is the best course," Speed said.

The Indian cricket board, angered by Bucknor's errors that contributed to their defeat in the match, had insisted the 61-year-old official be sacked.

The most significant error occurred on the first day when Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds was incorrectly given not out caught behind on 30 before going on to make 162 not out.

Move to alleviate pressure

"He (Bucknor) accepts that in the interests of the game and this Test match, it was better that another umpire was substituted in for him," Speed said.

It is unusual for the ICC to allow member nations to interfere with the appointment of umpires but Speed said the change had been made to alleviate some of the pressure from the escalating row and ensure the series proceeds.

"It is an extraordinary set of circumstances and we want to take some of the tension out of the situation," he said.

Bucknor is the most experienced umpire in international cricket history, having stood in a record 120 Tests and five World Cup finals.

Speed said he expected Bucknor would remain on the ICC's elite umpire panel.