The 62-year old West Indian Steve Bucknor is not new to controversy and he has a long history of giving questionable decisions against India.

Previously highly respected, he has officiated in 120 Tests and 167 ODIs and in all the five World Cups since 1992. His habit of deliberating for long before slowly raising his finger has earned him the nickname ‘Mr Slow Death’. In 2006, after television replays often exposed his lack of consistency in making decisions, Bucknor alleged that the broadcasters were doctoring images to make the umpires look bad in public eye. He, along with Bowden, was also responsible for the farcical end to the 2007 World Cup final where Ricky Ponting’s men beat Sri Lanka in semi-darkness and amid utter confusion.

Billy Bowden

The 44-year-old New Zealander draws as much attention on field as the players with his rather eye-catching antics that add a unique dimension to the day-to-day signs that an umpire uses.

He has officiated in 42 Tests and is respected among equals in the ICC’s Elite panel. However, the farcical end of the World Cup final is a black mark on his career, which also got him suspended from officiating in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championships.

PEACE-MAKER

Ranjan Madugalle

The chief referee of the ICC, Ranjan Madugalle, will play a crucial role in diffusing the controversy, especially vis-a-vis Mike Procter. The Sri Lankan has been summoned by the ICC and his first task will be to get the two rival captains, Ricky Ponting and Anil Kumble, to resume communication and perhaps rekindle mutual respect.

CALMING FACTOR

Gary Kirsten

India’s new coach, Gary Kirsten, who is officially supposed to join the team only in March, hopes to calm the tension between the two teams and has said that the important thing is to “settle the emotions.”

“I will enter this series as an outsider and may be I can bring with me an objective viewpoint,” Kirsten told the Melbourne Age.

NOT UNDER SCANNER

Mark Benson

The other on-field umpire, Mark Benson, surprisingly got away without facing any criticism or sanction despite not having a great day in office.