I'll officiate again, if asked,
says Mike Denness

Beleaguered International Cricket Council match referee Mike Denness said on Friday he would officiate between South Africa and India again if asked, and if approved.

"I would do it again of they agreed to it and my diary is free," Denness said.

The ex-England captain, who has become the most infamous figure in cricket in India, was due to leave South Africa on Friday night after being replaced by Denis Lindsay for the final match between the sides.

"I was hoping to go to Twickenham to watch the rugby between England and the Springboks, but my wife called and said there is a paintbrush waiting for me at home," Denness said.

"When I get back I imagine I'll be meeting with the ICC and having a discussion about what's happened.

"Today I had a lot of reports to finalise and just busied myself with administration.

"This hasn't diminished my desire to be a match referee but I'm put forward by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and they have to nominate me to the ICC.

"I do the job to the best of my ability and will continue to do so in the future."

Denness is at the centre of a row between the ICC and the Board of Cricket Control in India following a fine and a match suspension he imposed on star batsman Sachin Tendulkar for ball tampering during the second Test.

Tendulkar was given a suspended one-match ban and fined while Denness also sanctioned five other Indian players, including captain Sourav Ganguly, for bringing the game into disrepute through excessive appealing.

The Mike Denness controversy

Mail Cricket Editor