Cricket: Sickness bowls out an umpire

Ill-health has forced England cricket umpire Neil Mallender to withdraw from standing in New Zealand's two tests against Pakistan, the first of which starts in Hamilton on Friday.

A despondent Mallender left New Zealand yesterday when it became apparent he was too weak to carry out his duties.

The 42-year-old was to use Wellington's State Championship game at the Basin Reserve against Canterbury as a build-up to the first test.

But after the first two days Mallender was too ill to continue. He missed all of the third day (Sunday) and started on Monday before visiting a doctor for a third time since arriving in Wellington.

He has been replaced by Australian umpire Steve Davis.

The other umpire is South Africa's Dave Orchard, who will stand with Asoka de Silva, of Sri Lanka, in the second test, which starts at the Basin Reserve on Boxing Day.

Mallender said he first became unwell in October and seemed to be getting better when his health deteriorated again.

The former fast-medium bowler had enjoyed a long and successful period playing for Otago, and two seasons with Wellington's University club.

"I've felt so poorly in the last few days ... I knew there was no way I could do justice to the test matches," he said.

Mallender's enforced absence from the championship game probably created a record, with three other people called upon to umpire.

A member of the first-class panel, Mike George, of Horowhenua-Kapiti, filled in on Sunday, and on Monday, Wellington team manager Ross Bond and Wellington club umpire Adrian Douglas had periods at square leg.

The original umpire, Wellington's Evan Watkin, had no respite on Monday afternoon, having to officiate continually at the bowler's end.

- NZPA