Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal has been suspended for the third test against Windies. He has also been fined 100 per cent of his match fee owing to the ball-tampering allegations in the second test.
VIDEO: Here is what happened in the Dinesh Chandimal alleged ball tampering incident
The Srilankan team refused to take the field for a period of two hours. This incident can lead the suspension to four games as the coach Chandika Hathurusingha, manager Asanka Gurusinhaand and chandimal himself acted “contrary to the conduct of the game”.
According to reports Chandimal was seen putting sweet like substance in his mouth before altering the condition of the ball at Gros Islet. This is the second ball tampering fiasco this year after the infamous sandpaper gate by the kangaroos. Two suspension points have been awarded for his involvement in the issue which can equate to one test or two ODI”s whichever comes first.
“During the hearing, Dinesh admitted to putting something in his mouth but couldn”t remember what it was, which I found unconvincing as a defence and the fact remains it was an artificial substance,” match referee Srinath said.
This suspension may bring back Rangana Herath back to the squad to lead else the vice-captain Suranga Lakmal will take the honours. Windies lead the series 1-0 and the third test at Barbados will really be a test of character for the Lankans. They were outplayed by the pace machine Shannon Gabriel as he ended up clinching 13 scalps in the second test.
The third test will be played at Barbados from June 23rd.