Cricket: Oslear praises Pakistanis' conduct

Derbyshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216 and 212-5 dec

Pakistanis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

Match drawn

PAKISTAN will enter Thursday's fourth Test at Headingley still one win short of a pounds 50,000 bonus but with a 'good conduct' on their report card from the umpire, Don Oslear, after the match against Derbyshire yesterday.

Their hopes of achieving an eighth victory against county opposition - and qualifying for Tetley Bitter's windfall - were ended when rain allowed only five overs at Derby.

Javed Miandad's tourists still have two chances to line their pockets, with games against Essex and Gloucestershire remaining before the end of their visit.

But, following the unsavoury scenes at Old Trafford, they earned themselves a few words of praise from the chairman of the first-class umpires' panel. After spending three days with Pakistan, Oslear said: 'There are only two words I can put in the space on my match report reserved for the conduct of players: 'Very Good'.

'I've got on very well with them and can't fault them in any way. We've had a lot of fun out there.'

Oslear, who will be the reserve umpire for Headingley, insisted: 'There will be no bother at Headingley in any way, shape or form - I'll bet you as much as you like on that.'

The Pakistan fast bowler, Aqib Javed, was fined pounds 150 for intimidatory bowling at Old Trafford and might easily have been suspended for showing what some observers reasoned was dissent towards the umpire, Roy Palmer. In addition, the team manager, Intikhab Alam, was given a reprimand after accusing Palmer of 'rude and insulting behaviour' towards Aqib.

However, Oslear added: 'What happened during the third Test is over. The heat has been taken out of the situation and I'm sure things are going to be OK at Headingley.'

Roy Palmer's brother, Ken, and Mervyn Kitchen will take charge of the fourth Test - a match England must win if they are to keep alive their hopes of winning the series. 'Pakistan have got respect for all of us as good umpires,' Oslear said. 'I'm sure Roy and Mervyn will umpire magnificently.'

Derbyshire used the overs available to move from an overnight 182 for 4 to 212 for the loss of another wicket. That stretched their advantage to 231, but any prospect of the home side presenting the tourists with an enticing run chase was ended by the weather.