CRICKET/Ball-tampering controversy: Australian umpire Darrell Hair is standing by his decision to penalise Pakistan at the Oval on Sunday and said he would fight any move to oust him.

In his first interview since he and fellow umpire Billy Doctrove abandoned the final Test against England after Pakistan failed to take the field immediately after tea in a row over ball tampering, Hair said he felt his actions were necessary.

"People who know me and the sort of person I am know I would not take any action unless I really thought it was necessary," Hair told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

"I stand by what I have done but if anything comes out at the inquiry that proves me incorrect I would accept that too. The process would have been followed."

After inspecting the ball during the afternoon session on Sunday, Hair accused the Pakistan team of tampering and penalised them five runs. Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq kept his team in the dressing-room after the tea interval in protest. Pakistan emerged later but but Hair and Doctrove would not return.

Hair, who has been involved in a controversies with players from Asian nations in recent years, said he had no problems umpiring Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.

"There is no problem with me and the subcontinent. I have umpired quite a lot in the subcontinent over the last couple of years and when the ICC have asked me to do a job I try and do it to the best of my ability," he said.

Inzamam faces suspension from eight one-day internationals or four Tests if found guilty of ball tampering and bringing the game into disrepute. The hearing is in London on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team may skip tomorrow's one-day match against Middlesex to show solidarity with their skipper.