Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is to lodge a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against an “unacceptable” reprieve for England batsman Alex Hales in the third and final Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said.
Nuwan Pradeep clean bowled Hales, then on 58, in England’s second innings on Sunday, but it was judged a no-ball by umpire Rod Tucker, even though replays suggested a fraction of the paceman’s shoe was behind the popping crease.
Hales capitalized on the reprieve to score 94 before he was finally dismissed, but his reprieve prompted the visitors to briefly unfurl a Sri Lankan flag from the balcony in a perceived mark of protest.
“The management on tour is very sad about that decision and it will be reported to the ICC,” said Sumathipala, who termed it “unacceptable.”
Coach Graham Ford, who complained to match referee Andy Pycroft after Sunday’s play, played down the unfurling of the flag by the team, who have already surrendered the three-Test series after crushing defeats in Leeds and Durham.
However, the SLC chief saw it differently.
“The flag is a symbol,” Sumathipala said. “It is a mark to say we are not happy with the decision. [It was unfurled] to show solidarity and fight back.”
Ford said Tucker had apologized for the mistake and the coach was of the view that front-foot no-ball calls should be taken out of the on-field umpire’s hand.
“It just seems strange that with the technology that is available you can get a line call wrong,” Ford said.
“You’d think the best solution would be for the umpires to worry about what’s going on down the other end and for technology to look after the line call,” he added.
Sri Lanka were 32 without loss, needing a further 330 runs to reach their victory target of 362, at stumps on Sunday.
As of press time last night, play on the fifth and final day of the Test had been delayed due to rain, with officials declaring an early lunch.
Additional reporting by AFP and staff writer
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