The start of play on day 3 of the 2nd Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in St. Lucia was delayed, after the umpires decided to change the ball ahead of the day’s play due to concerns regarding the condition of the ball. This resulted in the Sri Lankan players refusing to take the field.
Captain bravado keeps Sri Lanka alive
Visuals of umpire Ian Gould asking to see Dhananjaya de Silva’s hands were seen from last evening after he was found shining the ball with the bandages wrapped around his hands. A few minutes later the umpires checked the shape of the ball and were seen speaking to Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal.
Two forced changes as Mathews returns home ahead of 2nd Test
It is understood that the umpires took this scenario into consideration and decided to change the ball, which didn’t go down well with the Sri Lankan players and the management. Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha was also seen speaking to the match referee Javagal Srinath as play continued to be held up creating dramatic scenes to what was turning out to be an evenly fought Test match.
When the players did eventually take the field at 10.50 am local time, they found that the umpires had awarded West Indies 5 penalty runs and changed the ball (the West Indies batsmen at the crease were to choose the replacement, which is the accepted practice under ICC Law 41.3). The players then walked off to the edge of the playing area where more discussions ensued.
Play eventually began at 11.30am, but Sri Lanka are understood to be contesting the charge. “SLC is reviewing the situation,” a board statement said. “The sports minister, SLC CEO and the government-appointed Competent Authority are in situ at the SLC offices.”
