Debasis Sen, Kolkata: Sri Lanka Cricket on Sunday clarified the ambiguity surrounding the DRS controversy involving Dilruwan Perera during the 4th day’s play of the 1st Test Match at Eden Gardens. The official statement from SLC read as follows:
Contrary to the assumptions made, there was no “message from the dressing room” involved in the requested review.
Having mistakenly assumed that Sri Lanka were out of reviews, Dilruwan Perera had turned to leave the feild when he heard Rangana Herath inquire from the on-field umpire Nigel Long if Sri Lanka have any reviews left, to which Mr. Long answered in the affirmative.
It was then that Dilruwan requested the review.
We wish to place on record that every single Sri Lankan player and official is not only strongly respectful and bounden to uphold the rules and regulations of the ICC, but plays their game of cricket under the ethics and principles of true sportsmanship and the Spirit of Cricket.
Meanwhile, Rangana Herath talking to reporters here at the end of days play further clarified that it was his call to take the review.
“I mean it is simple as this. I was asking for the review from Nigel (Llong). Maybe Dilwruwan also heard that. That’s it,” Herath told reporters at the end of Day 4.
Perera was seen to be walking back after he was given lbw by umpire Nigel Llong off a Mohammed Shami delivery which caught him in front of the off-stump. But after seemingly looking towards the dressing room, he turned back to ask for a review which showed the impact of the ball being outside the line of off stump.
“I did not see him (looking towards the dressing room). I was talking to Nigel Llong,” Herath clarified when probed further.
India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not want to comment on the incident, saying he does not want to say anything inappropriate.
“Unless there is any official word from the match referee and umpire we can’t say anything. We don’t want to comment on this as this would be inappropriate and jumping the gun,” Kumar said.