LONDON, Nov 29: Darrell Hair could still umpire first-class matches in England next season despite failing to make the full list of senior officials for the 2007 campaign announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) here Wednesday.

The Australian, who now lives in Lincoln, central England, was dumped from the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel of umpires after Pakistan complained about his role in the historic forfeited fourth Test against England at The Oval in August.

With long-serving umpire David Constant retiring at the end of the 2006 season season, there was speculation that Hair, who remains on the reserve list, would be promoted to the 24-strong full list who between them officiate in the majority of English first-class and county fixtures.

An ECB statement said: “The remaining members of the ECB Reserve List have been retained including Darrell Hair who has made himself available for the 2007 season.” Earlier Wednesday, umpires in the Australian state of New South Wales announced they would wear black ribbons in support of Hair during this weekend's club matches.—AFP