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"The world's No1 umpire for the past three years is Simon Taufel from Sydney and he should be out in the middle making the crucial decisions under pressure for this is what the best aspire to," Waugh wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph.
Blunders by West Indian Steve Bucknor and Englishman Mark Benson hit India hard on the first day of the second Test against Australia and Waugh felt the duo's mistakes showed that neutral umpires not always guarantee error-free matches.
"With the top players now earning millions of dollars and several cricket boards' revenues being upward of hundreds of millions, surely the game is entitled to see the best umpires officiating in the premium Test matches even if they are from the home countries," Waugh said.
Waugh said the concept of neutral umpires was valid only in the times, when technology was not there to assist on-field officials.
"I believe the argument for neutral umpires was valid years ago, when there was a degree of acceptance for mediocrity due to a lack of television cameras and part-time officials, while the scourge of match-fixing was also lurking beneath the surface," Waugh explained.
"However, with today's greater transparency and professionalism a substandard performance means a stint on the sidelines and, to me, the best should be umpiring the premium fixtures. To have at least four obvious errors in one day is not bad luck, just inadequate concentration," he pointed out.
Another Australian legend Ian Healy, meanwhile, suggested that captains be given the choice of challenging a close decision.
"Maybe that would help players feel like they were getting the right decision, and an umpire wouldn't have that feeling in his heart that he's wrecked a Test," Healy said on Channel 9.
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RatingAn error is an error, whether major or minor. This morning, Tendulkar was absolutely plumb LBW to Michael Clarke - not given.Yesterday, Laxman was absolutely plumb LBW - not given.Was this deliberate?Get the best umpires umpiring regardless of background, with each captain having 2 or 3 technology based challenges per innings.
I think we should have the captains involved in being able to challenge the out decisions .We should also have a coner for the umpires to watch the action again REPLAY ACTION . this would make the game as accurate as it can be .
I dont blame Bucknor for his decisions. He is a known India basher. Remember the occasion when he mimicked Indian bowler, when he appealed? Rather it is a wonder the Indian Board has not raised any complaint against this specific umpire. We ought to condemn his actions and let him not officiate any match in which India participates.
The suggestion of Steve waugh deserves serious consideration.With TV cameras installed allover,there is no need for a neutral unpires.If an umpires makes a mistake, it can be easily located in TV and rectified as it has happened in the past.
It is an excellent idea to change the rules and allow Captains to question incorrect umpiring decisions based on their cricketing perceptions. In such an event, use of technology to arbitrate and deliver the final judgement should be a part of the amended rule.
The bad decisions by Benson and Bucknor, along with the "third umpire", were not bluanders. They were deliberate perversions. The three hould be sacked rightaway mnd their match fees should be forfeited. They should also be fined 100 times the amount of their match fees and the amount handed over to the players who were victims of their crime.
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