Benson withdraws from Adelaide Test

Dubai, Dec 8 : Mark Benson of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires Tuesday issued the following statement in relation to his withdrawal after the first day's play in the second Test between Australia and the West Indies in Adelaide.

'Following my withdrawal from the Adelaide Test and the media speculation about my future, I would like to clarify that I have not resigned as an elite panel umpire.

'I had withdrawn after the first day's play as I felt that due to my general health, I was not up to the task and felt it was in the best interests of the game, the ICC and myself that I step down and hand over to my colleague on the elite panel, Asad Rauf.

'I have been in discussions with the ICC since my return from Australia and we have agreed that I will undergo a series of medical assessments. We will then discuss my future and my position as an ICC elite umpire.

'I would also like to state clearly that my withdrawal had nothing whatsoever to do with the decision review system (DRS). I remain a proponent of the use of technology as it helps the reduction of the obvious umpiring errors. The media speculation about the so-called disagreement in the umpires' room is unfounded and totally untrue.'

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: 'I sincerely hope that after Mark's clarification, all speculation will be put to rest and the focus will return to the Perth Test which is extremely crucial to Australia who needs to beat the West Indies to prevent dropping from its current third position to fourth in the Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship table.'