'I'm in reasonably good physical condition'

Bucknor wants to continue for another year

Cricinfo staff

January 19, 2008

	Steve Bucknor (left) isn't calling time on his career yet © AFP

Steve Bucknor, the ICC elite umpire, has said he would continue to officiate at the international level for another year if asked to by the ICC. Bucknor was removed from the third Test between Australia and India in Perth after India complained over his performance in the fractious second Test in Sydney.

Speaking to the media during the Carib Beer Series match between Jamaica and Guyana at Sabina Park, Bucknor, 61, said he wasn't going to call time on his career immediately. His contract runs out in March this year.

"I'm in reasonably good physical condition, seeing reasonably well," Bucknor said. "So I'll go on until I think it is necessary. If I'm asked to continue umpiring, I'm going to think seriously about continuing. I would not wish to go on beyond another year. If I'm asked to go on I would accept, but not beyond another year."

Bucknor has stood in 120 Tests and 167 ODIs, including five consecutive World Cup finals. His career suffered a setback in the most recent final in the Caribbean, when he, along with the other officials, misinterpreted the rules regarding bad light.

His next international assignment is in Bangladesh next month where South Africa tour for two Tests and three one-dayers.

© Cricinfo