ENG v IND 2021: Gavaskar bats for neutral umpires to avoid bias; shares his views on umpiring in England-India series

ICC had allowed home umpires to officiate in WTC fixtures due to COVID-induced travel restrictions.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar is pleased with the quality of umpiring by the Englishmen in the ongoing series between India and England but he would still prefer neutral umpires to officiate Test matches.

Due to the COVID-induced travel restrictions, ICC had temporarily allowed home umpires to officiate in all the World Test Championships fixtures.

"I would still want to see neutral umpires because after you exhaust your 2-3 reviews, there could still be a decision that could be game-turning," said the former India opener while commentating during day three of the second Test.

"To avoid the finger of bias, you should have neutral umpires."

According to Gavaskar, home umpires have been outstanding in the ongoing series and the series in Australia earlier this year.

"The quality of umpiring in this series (between India and England) as well as in Australia has been brilliant. Can't say that about it during our (playing) days though," he said.

Michael Gough, Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth are the on-field umpires in the first two Tests so far. On the other hand, Chris Broad is playing the role of a match referee.

(With PTI inputs)