Leading New Zealand umpire Brent Bowden has refuted claims Australian cricketers have a subconscious hold over him and his international colleagues.
Bowden dismissed claims by Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer that umpires were influenced by the world champions excessive appealing and home crowds.
"I don't care if one guy or 11
guys appeal, it doesn't worry me, and neither does the crowd because I've made my decision before they get excited," Bowden , told the Dominion Post.
"I haven't got a problem with any team and every team has a right to appeal. Australia don't really appeal, they expect it, it comes with confidence, but it doesn't change the way I rule on things."
Bowden has been indirectly implicated in the umpiring furore across the Tasman after adjudicating in two of the Australia-Pakistan tests and four matches in the VB one-day series.
Woolmer claimed umpiring decisions went against Pakistan 29-5.
"Bob's entitled to his opinion, but from my point of view I had a brilliant series in the tests and the one-dayers," Bowden said.
"I know that because I felt good out in the middle and I had good feedback off the park."
Bowden will next officiate in the Twenty20 match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park next week and the first two one-day internationals.
- NZPA
