“We are awaiting Hathuru’s return before taking further action” – Graeme Labrooy
Dinesh Chandimal (R) chats with Chandika Hathurusingha during a training session one day before the 3rd Test at Kensington Oval - AFP
Sri Lanka Cricket’s chief selector Graeme Labrooy said that it is too early to comment on their next step under the prevailing circumstances.
When asked as to what sort of steps that they are hoping to take with regard to the South African tour which is almost on our doorstep Labrooy told the Sunday Times “It’s too early to comment on our action in the present context. The ICC’s hearing of the case with regarding Hathurusingha and Gurusingha and Dinesh Chandimal will be on July 10.
“Suranga Lakmal who was the vice-captain on tour was chosen to captain the side for game that started on Saturday, but, for further action we await for the return of Coach Chandika Hathurusingha and see how he would fathom the situation”
At one point of time it looked as if there was a distinct probability of Dinesh Chandimal wriggling out of the situation on a technical point. The Lankan team were under the impression that the ICC match officials had handled the matter in a hazy manner and thus impelling Chandimal appeal against the one-match ban imposed on him for altering the condition of the ball during the second days’ play in the second Test between the West Indies and Sri Lanka at St. Lucia’s.
The tourists refused to take to the field on Saturday morning in protest after the umpires informed them that the ball would be changed, having reviewed the footage of Friday’s play. However play only started after a delay of 120 minutes where the team and the Team management were involved in animated protest. It occurred when the ICC match officials decided change the ball day prior to the third day’s play by the umpires over the state of the ball.
Since the appeal, Michael Beloff QC has been appointed as the Judicial Commissioner by the ICC to hear the case to determine appropriate sanction and who will also hear Chandimal’s appeal against his punishment for changing the condition of the ball. Later on Dinesh Chandimal, Coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha admitted to breaching Article 2.3.1, a Level 3 offence, which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”.
Yesterday the ICC appointed officials rejected the appeal against the changing of the state of the ball. Had the ICC entertained a hearing, Chandimal may have the opportunity of turning out for Sri Lanka until the hearing is over.