Indian criticism forces umpire to retire

Australian umpire Daryl Harper has withdrawn from what would have been his final test following criticism of his performance by India’s players on their tour of West Indies.

   Harper pulled out of the final test in Dominica from July 6. He had been due to retire from the International Cricket Council’s elite panel of umpires after the match.

   The ICC said on Wednesday in a statement that “the real shame is it  deprives him of the opportunity to sign off as a test match umpire in a befitting manner.”   

Harper will be replaced by Richard Kettleborough.

   India’s players were said to be unhappy with some of Harper’s decisions in the first test at Kingston. The visitors lead 1-0 with  the second test currently being played in Barbados.