The Editor, Sir:

I was not one of those persons fortunate enough to have witnessed the West Indies' demolition of England on the fourth day of the first Test Match at Sabina Park, but I did manage to share in the excitement as I listened to commentary on radio.

Based on the record of this commentary, I was somewhat angered at the behaviour of the Englishmen, and then more than upset at what can only be the incompetence of the 'replay umpire'.

The situation, as described on the radio, was that Daren Powell, having been 'given out' by the standing umpire, exercised his right to appeal the decision. The English team, however, thought that they knew better; that this was an unnecessary delay in proceedings and decided that they need not wait the umpire's decision and proceeded to leave the field of play. Gross arrogance! Gross disrespect!

The fact that the replay umpire agreed with the standing umpire is totally irrelevant to the issue, and does not excuse their boorish behaviour.

The fact that the replay umpire agreed with the standing umpire is cause for great concern, however, as all others who viewed the replay of the incident are amazed that such a judgement could ever have been handed down!

Now, while I am not questioning the motive behind the umpire's decision, I must question his competence, for if he cannot make an appropriate rule on appeals when he has the benefit of all available technology, and all the time to view same, how can he make a right decision when acting on the field of play?

Reputation marred

I remember only recently in a Test series between India and Australia 'Down Under', when the very experienced Steve Bucknor made some errors while acting as an on-the-field standing umpire (without the aid of technology and replays) and was subsequently removed from participating in the remainder of the series and had his reputation marred.

I sincerely hope that the powers that be will take note and act appropriately both in the case of the arrogant English as well as in the case of this umpire.

I am, etc.,

DR JOHN C. ROYES

Consultant Paediatrician

Kingston