LONDON, Aug 20: Former Pakistan skipper Rameez Raja believes current captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was right to keep his team off the field in the chaos-hit fourth Test against England at The Oval.

Pakistan staged a dressing room protest during the tea interval to register their anger at being penalised five runs over allegations of ball-tampering.

But when they eventually returned to the field, umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove stayed in the pavillion believing that Pakistan had forfeited the match with their original protest.

“It was an ugly situation which painted Pakistan as cheats and Inzamam will not take that,” said Rameez.

“He made the correct decision. It may appear against the spirit of the game but Pakistan are hurt by being accused of being cheats.”

The controversy was sparked when veteran Australian umpire Hair penalised Pakistan five runs after paceman Umar Gul had completed his 14th over of the innings.

Hair believed that the condition of the ball had been unfairly altered.

Match referee Mike Procter said talks would continue.

“Following issues raised by the onfield umpires, which need to be resolved, meetings will be held between the match referee and both teams after play to determine whether any further play will be scheduled in this match.”—AFP