Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Brisbane

Bucknor and Dar trip up over visas

Cricinfo staff

November 8, 2007

Steve Bucknor and Aleem Dar, the two umpires who stood in the World Cup final earlier this year, have struggled with visa problems which prevented them from standing in the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka at Brisbane.

Bucknor was due to stand in the match with the South African, Rudi Koertzen, but he delayed filling in his visa form, leading to Dar being brought in to replace him. However, Dar "filled in the wrong form," a source told The Australian, which led to Tony Hill, the New Zealander, rushing over to replace him.

Cricket Australia didn't receive notification that Hill was replacing Dar until 36 hours before the Test was due to start. Dar is expected to arrive in time for the second Test at Hobart, with Koertzen standing in both matches.

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