Bucknor replaced as umpire - and Singh cleared to play - as ICC bows to Indian pressure in race row

The International Cricket Council have replaced Bucknor with New Zealander Billy Bowden after India had called for the Jamaican's removal following a number a controversial decisions during last week's Second Test defeat in Sydney.

The decision seems to have gone some way to appeasing India, who have halted their tour schedule following the decision to ban spin bowler Harbhajan Singh for three Tests for racial abuse.

India Board secretary Niranjah Shah said: "We are happy that this issue [umpiring] has been resolved but we will meet again tonight to decide on the future course."

The burning issue now is to clear Harbhajan's name and Shah added: "We will fight the blatantly false and unfair slur on an Indian player."

India's players have followed their Board's instructions by staying in Sydney rather than travelling to Canberra for Thursday's game against an Invitation XI.

Harbhajan and his team-mates even took time out today to play volleyball on Bondi Beach.

"If everything turns out fine, the team can still reach Canberra in time," said Board vice-chairman Rajiv Shukla.

India face a fine of up to £1million if they pull out of the tour.

The ICC initially said Bucknor would stand as scheduled in Perth but did a U-turn in Melbourne today as the situation developed into a crisis.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed claimed the governing body were not backing down to India's request but believed Bucknor's presence would be counter-productive.

Speed said: "It is accepted that Steve and his on-field colleague Mark Benson did not have good games and we feel that given the added pressure and attention Steve's presence would have in Perth, it is better for the match and for Steve himself if he does not take part."

Speed also confirmed the ICC have received India's official appeal in relation to Harbhajan's suspension, which means the bowler will be clear to play in Perth if a hearing has not been held before 16 January.

Match referee Mike Procter found Harbhajan guilty of calling Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds "a monkey".

But India claim Procter took the word of three Australian players over that of Harbhajan and Sachin Tendulkar when there appeared to be no other evidence.

Australia's Brad Hogg will also face a charge of breaching the ICC's code of conduct after India complained he abused one of their players.

Chief referee Ranjan Madugalle is on his way to Australia in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Australia captain Ricky Ponting and Anil Kumble, the India skipper.

Speed added that a commissioner will be appointed within the next 24 hours to hear Harbhajan's appeal.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Milliband believes it would "send the wrong message" to allow Zimbabwe to tour England next year.

Zimbabwe are due to play two five-day matches and three one-day internationals here in 2009 but Milliband has reiterated the Government's broad opposition to the tour, saying: "The situation in Zimbabwe is deeply concerning. This is something that needs to be discussed with the England and Wales Cricket Board and others."

Under ICC rules, the ECB would have to pay around £225,000 in compensation for the cancelled one-dayers. But as Zimbabwe no longer hold Test status, there would be no penalty if the five-day matches were called off.