Bowden denies being overawed by Aussies in Pakistan matches by AFP

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Player:	BF Bowden
Event:	VB Series 2004/05

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DateLine: 9th February 2005

 

New Zealand cricket umpire Billy Bowden denied he and his colleagues were intimidated by the Australian players in the recent Test and one-day series involving Pakistan.

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer this week said the Australians won close calls 29-5 in matches against his team, accusing the Australians of vociferous appeals designed to pressure umpires into ruling their way.

 

Bowden said he was happy with his performances in Australia, where the home team completed a whitewash in the two-Test series against Pakistan and comfortably won the triangular one-day series which also involved the West Indies.

 

"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 on Wednesday.

 

"I know that because I felt good out in the middle and I had good feedback off the park."

 

Bowden said home crowds and the amount of players appealing had no bearing on his umpiring.

 

"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 said.

 

Australian coach John Buchanan has described Woolmer's comments as offensive to umpires.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)