Hair today, back tomorrow: Controversial umpire Darrell set for Test return after 18 months in the cold

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Hair became one of the sport's most highprofile figures after accusing Pakistan of balltampering during The Oval Test against England in August 2006.

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Flashpoint: Darrell Hair and Inzamam-ul-Haq get embroiled in the Oval ball controversy

Furious captain Inzamam-ul- Haq refused to take his players back on to the field and, for the first time in Test cricket's 130-year history, a match was forfeited, with England declared the winners.

The ball-tampering charge was eventually thrown out at an International Cricket Council hearing in London a few weeks later and, although Hair remained on the sport's elite panel of umpires, he was reduced to standing in minor matches.

But now Standard Sport understands the 55-year-old Australian has regained his elite status, which means he could be appointed to take charge of a Test or full one-day international at any time and may be on duty during one of England's matches this summer against either New Zealand or South Africa.

It seems highly unlikely, however, that Hair will stand in any match involving Pakistan. They led the calls for him to be discarded in the aftermath of The Oval saga. Until last year, there seemed no way back for Hair when the ICC board admitted they had lost confidence in him.

But an employment tribunal last October cleared the way for Hair, who has officiated in 76 Tests and 135 one-day internationals, to resume his career at the top level. Now, following ICC meetings in Dubai this week, it is understood he will soon be returned to the appointments list.