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Proctor dismisses toss
'fixing' claims

Match referee Mike Proctor as well as the two captains rubbished reports which hinted that the toss in the sixth one-day match between India and the West Indies at Jodhpur was 'fixed'.

"West Indian captain Carl Hooper had called heads and the coin that was spun showed tails. Thus, Rahul Dravid won the toss," Proctor said, seeking to put at rest the controversy generated by Michael Holding, who had said in his column that "some doubts have been raised about the toss".

Holding said "a couple of people who had been present at the toss" -- possibly fellow-commentator Ian Bishop, -- had told him that it was Hooper who had actually won the toss.

But Proctor said, "I categorically deny it. The press has written wrongly and it could check this out with the two captains."

Hooper also vehemently denied anything fishy about the toss.

"Both the captains have no doubt in our minds. I do not require glasses (spectacles)," he said.

"I think, (former West Indies fast bowler Ian) Bishop was there as a commentator at the pitch when toss was taken.

"He should stick to his job as a commentator and allow the game to be run by the administrators," Hooper, who had to seek permission from his team manager Ricky Skerrit to speak on the subject, said.

Dravid said he was surprised to learn about the controversy.

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I won the toss and elected to field.

"I received a couple of calls later and I was amazed that a wrong picture has been given in the press report. Both myself and Hooper were sure about it. But I do not know where that came from," he said.

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