Veteran ICC umpire stumped at HK game

Daryl Harper thought he had seen everything possible in 28 years out on the field as an umpire. But Hong Kong, where he stood for the first time yesterday, threw up not one surprise, but two for the veteran Australian official.

'I have never seen so many balls lost in a match, and for the first time in all my years, I had a stump broken,' grinned the affable Harper after standing in the opening game between Hong Kong and the United States at the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament.

The small boundaries at Kowloon Cricket Club, home of the Hong Kong Sixes, are the bane of bowlers. It was the case yesterday too as 27 sixes were hit, resulting in at least half-a-dozen balls being lost. It left Harper, an ICC Elite Panel Umpire, waving his arms for more balls.

With every facet of the six-team tournament being run by the world governing body, the seven-strong panel of umpires are all from overseas bar local official Kevin Bishop.

Harper, 59, who has stood in 168 one-day internationals and 94 tests, said: 'This tournament is an opportunity to share my knowledge. This is also a chance to see umpiring talent for there is no reason why elite umpires cannot come from countries other than test-playing nations.'

A week ago he was in New Zealand umpiring the test series against Pakistan. From Hong Kong he goes home to stand in the sixth one-dayer between England and Australia before going to Sri Lanka for the World Cup.

'It is more relaxing here as there is less pressure because there is no television coverage and no commentators. But it is as important as a one-day international or a test and I'm here to give my best,' Harper said.

Harper will, however, have a word with his wife when he gets back. He said: 'I asked her if I needed any warm clothes but she said, 'you are going to Hong Kong, it will be warm'. I was shivering out there today.'

Harper saw the US defeat Hong Kong by seven wickets. In other games, Italy defeated Denmark by seven wickets while Papua New Guina beat Oman by 39 runs.