St Lucia:
Srilankan captain Dinesh Chandimal refused to lead his team onto the field against the West Indies at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Day 3 of the second test.
The umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould raised concerns about the condition of the ball nearing the end of the second day, the Sri Lankans were advised before the start of play on Saturday that they could not continue with the existing ball.
Animated discussions then ensued involving match referee Javagal Srinath and the Sri Lankan pair of coach Chandika Hathurusingha and team manager Asanka Gurusinha and it appeared for some time that the day’s play at least and possibly the rest of the match might be in doubt.
However it was after these deliberations that the Sri Lankans agreed to the change of ball and to continue playing although it is understood that they will be contesting the ball-tampering charge.
ICC has confirmed that five penalty runs have been added to the West Indies overnight total of 118-2.They also confirmed that Code of Conduct charges will follow as per usual, if there are any.
The ICC can confirm the match officials in the second Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka changed the ball and awarded 5 penalty runs to West Indies. If there are any, Code of Conduct charges will follow as per usual at close of play.#WIvSL pic.twitter.com/xeiaAKQ9DU
— ICC (@ICC) June 16, 2018
Statement from Srilankan Cricket:
In a statement the board said, “The team management has informed us that Sri Lankan players have not engaged in any wrong doing during the ongoing (2nd) test match played between Sri Lanka and West Indies.”
They said that the SLC advised the team to take the field to ensure the continuity of the match and wished to commend the decision taken by the team to continue with the game ‘under protest’ to ensure the upholding of the spirit of the game.
The SLC management have also made it clear that ‘all necessary steps will be taken to defend any player, in the event any unwarranted allegation is brought against a member of the team.’
The SLC said it reiterates its commitment to adhering to the laws of the game and upholding the spirit of the game. It stands firm in their commitment to protect the dignity of the national cricketers at all times.
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