KARACHI, March 11: Although India is deservedly on top in the first Test after fourth day?s play the two so called elite panel umpires have played their part in Pakistan?s slide towards a possible defeat.

Statistics also establish the fact that majority of 50-50 decisions have gone against the visitors. So far five Pakistani batsmen Inzamamul Haq (in both the innings), Asim Kamal, Younis Khan and Rana Navedul Hasan have been adjudged lbw.

On the contrary Pakistani bowlers failed to win even one lbw verdict from the Australian and South African umpires Darrell Hair and Rudi Koertzen.

India batsmen on the other hand benefited from the umpires decisions and none more so than Sachin Tendulkar who was palpably caught bat and pad by Asim Kamal off Danish Kaneria but reprieved by Koertzen when the batsman had not even reached double figures. Tendulkar?s dismissal at that stage could have made lot of difference as the master went on to score 94.

Virender Sehwag who made 173 was twice given the benefit of doubt by Koertzen against Kaneria when the opener deliberately padded leg spinner?s googlies.

It is easy to be critical of the decisions specially coming from the losing side but in recent months the elite panel umpires have committed too many ?errors of judgement? and have played a part in the outcome of the results of the several Test and One-day International matches that could have gone either way.