LONDON, England (CMC) — Umpire Mark Benson yesterday denied rumours he had quit officiating, following his sudden withdrawal from the second Test between Australia and West Indies.

The 51-year-old Brit withdrew from the game following the first day’s play last Thursday, sparking rumours he had resigned as an ICC Elite Panel umpire in frustration with the newly implemented decision review system.

“Following my withdrawal from the Adelaide Test and the media speculation about my future, I would like to clarify that I have not resigned as an elite panel umpire,” Benson said in a statement.

“I had withdrawn after the first day’s play as I felt that due to my general health, I was not up to the task and felt it was in the best interests of the game, the ICC and myself that I step down and hand over to my colleague on the elite panel, Asad Rauf.

“I have been in discussions with the ICC since my return from Australia and we have agreed that I will undergo a series of medical assessments. We will then discuss my future and my position as an ICC elite umpire.”

It was reported widely that Benson pulled out of the Test at the Adelaide Oval after having one of his decisions strongly challenged and another overturned by the decision review system

However, Benson denied this was the case and said he remained firmly in support of technology to help umpires.

“I would also like to state clearly that my withdrawal had nothing whatsoever to do with the decision review system,” said Benson who has already returned to England home.

“I remain a proponent of the use of technology as it helps the reduction of the obvious umpiring errors. The media speculation about the so-called disagreement in the umpires’ room is unfounded and totally untrue.”

Benson has stood in 27 Tests and 72 One-Day Internationals following his debut in 2004.