Darrell Hair wins vote

Dumped Test umpire Darrell Hair has surprisingly been voted by readers of Wisden Cricket magazine as their choice for Umpire of the Season. Darrell Hair, who was at the centre of August's ball-tampering controversy after he penalised Pakistan for apparent cheating, won 34% of votes in the magazine's annual poll.

Following an investigation into the events, which saw the Test series between England and Pakistan abandoned as a result of Darrell Hair's actions, he was booted out of the International Cricket Council's elite panel of umpires.

Speaking to the BBC after hearing of his popularity amongst readers of the cricket magazine, Darrell Hair said it was a confidence boost to know there were still people who had respect for him.

"It's a shock but if free-thinking people want to vote that way it's a great vote of confidence," he said.

The 54-year-old, who has umpired in 62 Tests and 111 one-day internationals, is battling to retain his status as an adjudicator at the top level of cricket. As a result of his involvement in the ball-tampering saga, Darrell Hair has since found himself unwanted for a number of events including the Champions Trophy. Cricket Australia, however, has said Darrell Hair is welcome to umpire in any Australian-based events, although Darrell Hair now resides in England.

According to recent reports, the Australian umpire may soon be relegated to umpiring primarily in the county cricket scene.