Pakistan protest sparks fourth test farce

The fourth test between England and Pakistan descended into total farce yesterday as first Pakistan, then the umpires, refused to return to the field after tea on the fourth day following a ball-tampering storm. Play was called off for the day as...

The fourth test between England and Pakistan descended into total farce yesterday as first Pakistan, then the umpires, refused to return to the field after tea on the fourth day following a ball-tampering storm.

Play was called off for the day as frantic discussions continued between match and board officials to try and save the match.

Pakistan's players had been stunned during the afternoon at The Oval when Hair and fellow umpire Billy Doctrove imposed a five-run penalty for ball tampering and changed the ball.

They continued playing until tea, with England on 298-4 in their second innings, when the fiasco exploded.

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