World's best to umpire Greens

RICKY PONTING'S loss could be Stuart Le Prevost's gain.

Australia's captain has asked to allow the world's best umpire Simon Taufel to officiate in the Ashes series.

But, as an Australian, Taufel, the ICC umpire-of-the-year for five years running, is not permitted to do so.

Instead, he is being lined up to officiate at the ICC World Cricket League Division Six in Singapore at the end of the month, where Guernsey are one of the six competing sides.

Although it is not 100% confirmed by the ICC as there could be last minute changes to Taufel's schedule and his visa has yet to be arranged, the world governing body have named him as one of the week-long tournament's eight umpires on their website.

'This is fantastic news and I have nothing but the utmost respect for Taufel,' said Le Prevost.

'In my eyes he is the best umpire in the world and it will be an honour and a privilege to be on the same field as him. Plus it's nice to have something that Ricky Ponting can't have.

'It adds to what I'm sure will be a great week. Me and the boys can't wait to get out there now.'

The youngest member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, Taufel umpired his first Test in 2000 at just 28 years old.

He has since officiated in 59 Test matches and 139 one-day internationals.