The International Cricket Council (ICC) appears to have bowed to pressure and replaced Steve Bucknor with fellow umpire Billy Bowden for next week's third Test between Australia and India in Perth.

India has confirmed an appeal against a three-match ban handed to Harbhajan Singh for alleged racist abuse.

India had called for Bucknor's removal following a number a controversial decisions in their ill-tempered second Test defeat in Sydney last week. The decision will appease India, which halted its tour schedule following the decision to ban the team's spin bowler.

The ICC initially stated Bucknor would stand as scheduled in Perth but called a press conference in Melbourne to announce the change this morning after the situation developed into a crisis yesterday.

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There had been fears the remaining two Tests may not be played as India protested at the perceived injustices of Harbhajan's ban and umpiring standards.

Bucknor, a West Indian, is the world's most experienced umpire having stood in a record 120 Tests. His Sydney counterpart, Mark Benson, who has also been caught up in the storm, was not due to stand in Perth.

Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive, insists he is not backing down to India's request but believe Bucknor's presence would now be counter-productive. "It is accepted that Steve, and his on-field colleague Mark Benson, did not have good games by their very high standards and we feel that given the added pressure and attention Steve's presence would have at the third Test, it is better for the match and for Steve himself if he does not take part," Speed said.

"It is important to stress that Steve has not been replaced due to any representations made by any team or individuals. The ICC remains the sole body responsible for the appointment of umpires and no team has the right to object to any appointment. The decision by the ICC to replace Steve for this match was made in the best interests of the game and the series."

Speed also confirmed the ICC have received India's official appeal documents in relation to Harbhajan's suspension.

Harbhajan was found guilty of calling Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds "a monkey".

Australia's Brad Hogg will also face a charge of breaching the ICC's code of conduct after India complained he abused one of their players, allegedly calling him "a bastard".