London, Mar 21: Australian Darrell Hair, reinstated to the ICC`s Elite Panel of umpires, is likely to make his comeback by officiating in the England`s Test series against New Zealand in May.

"England and New Zealand would be the first Test where Darrell would be considered. It wouldn`t be outrageous to say he could appear during that series," an International Cricket Council spokesman was quoted as saying.

Hair, who had been umpiring in matches not involving Test nations after he was banned in 2006 for his conduct in the forfeited Oval Test between England and Pakistan, served a rehabilitation programme by the ICC.

The Australian said he was thrilled to be back.

"I`m really thrilled at the prospect of be able to get back out there and umpire the matches I`m appointed to," he said.

The ICC will finalise next week its panel of elite umpires to officiate in 2008`s forthcoming Test matches and Hair`s name is expected to be among the selections.