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Former New Zealand test batsman Brian Hastings has been added to the panel of international match referees by the International Cricket Council at its meeting in London.

``It is quite an honour,'' Hastings said from his Christchurch home last night.

``It is also a challenge and I am looking forward to it.''

Hastings, who made four test centuries in an international career spanning 1968-1976, joins fellow New Zealanders John R Reid and Graham Dowling on the exclusive panel.

Match referees, who must be neutral, are essentially in charge of the game they are allocated to.

It is their responsibility, along with the umpires, to ensure that the game is played fairly in accordance with the rules. Referees are expected to adjudicate over any disputes and have the power to impose fines on any wayward players or teams.

``If there are problems, you can be very much in the limelight,'' Hastings said.

The accomplished Canterbury batsman is remembered for his superb match-saving 117 not out in the drawn test against the West Indies at the then Lancaster Park in 1969.

But the most vivid memory in his illustrious career remains the five-wicket win over Australia at Lancaster Park in 1974.

``That was the match in which Glenn Turner scored a double century. I managed to scramble together 46 in the second innings,'' he recalled.

Hastings was nominated for the referees' panel by New Zealand Cricket.