LONDON, Dec 1: Dumped International Cricket Council umpire Darrell Hair has been omitted from England's first-class list for 2007.

The England & Wales Cricket board (ECB) decided against promoting the Australian to replace David Constant, who retired at end of last season, The Times reported.

The decision comes despite Hair serving on ECB's reserve list for past two years and having no international commitments after his axing from ICC elite panel, freeing him up for England's domestic season.

Hair also officiated in more Test matches than combined total of 24 umpires on ECB's first-class list. Constant was replaced by former England batsman Tim Robinson, who has been on reserve list for four years.

The ECB umpires and match operations manager Chris Kelly said concerns about Hair's safety were not an issue. “We had two discussions with Darrell and we need to be clear what his position is with the ICC,” Kelly said.

Hair, who reportedly wants to clarify his future with ICC before considering whether to apply for any role in the sport, instructed his lawyers to write to ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed to resolve the situation.

“I remain disappointed with ICC's decision,” Hair told Times. I have had discussions with ECB. I just want to carry on umpiring.” —Agencies