Alleged ball tampering by Aussies
ELMO Rodrigopulle reporting from Australia
There was a bit of controversy during the Sri Lankan chase for
victory in the second innings when two prominent Australians were
noticed allegedly tampering with the ball. Now this is a serious matter
and we understand that the Sri Lankan management had brought this ugly
side of the game to the notice of the match referee.
The players were seen trying to up the seam using their fingers so as
to give undue advantage to their bowlers. What will ensure from here
will be interesting to watch. It is hoped that an inquiry will be held
and that if the story is true appropriate action will be taken and the
culprits exposed. According to Rangana Herath who had another haul of 5
wickets in the Australian second innings and faced the media in the post
match press briefing, if the Lankans can safely negotiate the first
session without losing wickets, there is no reason why Sri Lanka can’t
win their First ever Test on Australian soil.
Herath also said that he was delighted and it was an achievement to
take 5 wickets for the first time playing in Australia. ‘The wicket had
spin and bounce on it and I varied my deliveries to lure the Australian
batsmen, he said.
According to Herath the wicket is an up and down one and if Kumar
Sangakkara, Mahela Jayewardene, Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayewardene
bat as we know they can, victory should come sometime tomorrow.
Sangakkara and Jayewardeme did well to play down some fiery pace from
Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson and the biting off spin of
Nathan Lyon and survive.
Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Monday.
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