Ball tampering controversy hits Windies vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test

Things were working out smooth in Gros Islet as the home team was batting in their first innings and put up a strong response to Sri Lanka’s 253. The third day was expected to start early to make up for the time that was lost by rain yesterday. However, it was not to be as the Sri Lankan players denied to walk out and take the field protesting against a decision by the umpires.

The two umpires officiating in the match – Aleem Dar and Ian Gould decided to change the ball as they suspect ball tampering. The Sri Lankan players were not happy with the move and thus didn’t come out when it was time for the start of play. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Match Referee Javagal Srinath intervened.

He went to the Sri Lankan dressing room to investigate the matter. As of now, the sky is clear in St Lucia and it is over 30 minutes past the scheduled start of play and it appears as if the parties involved haven’t arrived at a middle ground.

Reports from a few journalists on Twitter suggests that the umpires saw Dinesh Chandimal apply saliva which they suspect was mixed with a foreign substance on the ball yesterday and that was against the law. Thus acting within their rights the umpires decided to change the ball before the start of play today. Which means the umpires considered Chandimal guilty of ‘changing the conditions of the ball’ and he is personally liable for a penalty.

After discussions between the Match Referee, umpires and the Lankan team they’ve agreed to start play at 10:50 am local time which is one hour and 20 minutes late from the scheduled start of play at 9:30 am. The final decision is that the ball will be changed and the Windies have been awarded 5 penalty runs.

Both the teams walked out on the field at 10:50 but before a ball could be bowled the Sri Lankans walked back again and the game didn’t resume.

More to follow…

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